Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group P
(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)
Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes
Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.
1. An attempt of the Church (Roman Catholic) to lessen the evils of private warfare and to protect noncombatants, developing into what became known as the "Truce of God".
2. An effort on the part of the medieval Roman Catholic Church in eleventh century France to protect noncombatants, church property, farm stock, and tools from the ravages of war by excommunicating offenders.
This motto came from a reader who said, "I have a tatoo that reads 'PAX ET FELICITAS SEMPER OMNIBUS'. See if any of your subscribers can translate that."
I sent him the translation above; as well as, the following:
"Peace and good fortune (or success) always to everyone."
Motto of Johann Georg II, Elector of Saxony (1613-1680).
A peace in which fighting continues but at a reduced rate; a half-hearted conflict.
Pax majora decet. Peragit tranquilla potestas
Quod violenta nequit, mandataque fortius urget
Imperiosa quies.
"Great works require peace. Power, employed quietly, effects what violence cannot accomplish; and calmness is all powerful in enforcing commands with success."
Pax optima rerum, quas homini novisse datum est; pax una triumphis innumeris potior; pax, custodire salutem et cives aequare potens. -Silius Italicus (A.D. 26-A.D. 101).
"Peace is the best thing that men may know; peace is better than a thousand triumphs; peace has power to guard our lives and secure equality among fellow citizens."
Pax orbis terrarum is a motto found on Roman coins.
The peace of the king; that is, the peace, good order, and security for life and property that is one of the objects of government to maintain, and which the king, as the personification of the power of the state, is supposed to guaranty to all persons within the protection of the law.
This term was also given in ancient times, to a certain privileged district or sanctuary. The pax regis, or verge of the court, as it was afterwards called, extended from the palace-gate to the distance of three miles, three furlongs, three acres, nine feet, nine palms, and nine barleycorns. [The verge or virge is from old English law and referred to the area of the royal court that bounded the jurisdiction of the lord steward of the household].
A peace dictated and enforced by the impressive strength of Roman armies.
The is the form to be used when speaking to one person.
Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.
