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.

Praestatur laus virtuti, sed multo ocius verno gelu tabescit.
Praise is bestowed on virtue but vanishes more quickly than frost in spring.
—Livius Andronicus (c.280-204 B.C.)
precocious (adjective), more precocious, most precocious
1. A reference to a person who is more mentally developed than is usual at a certain age: Little six-year-old Max is a precocious boy with his cognitive skills and intelligence.
2. Relating to something that takes place at an early stage of development: One kind of magnolia produces precocious flowers before the leaves appear.

3. Etymology: from Latin praecox, praecoc-; from praecoquere "to ripen fully"; from prae, "before" + coquere, "to cook" + -ious, "characterized by".
Conveying early mental development.
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Presenting abnormal intelligence for a very young person.
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prima facie (adjective), more prima facie, most prima facie
1. At first consideration before there has been time for inquiry or examination; at first glance; apparent; self-evident: When the police were called to the scene of the accident, their prima facie conclusion was that the car had slid on the ice and crashed into the tree.
2. On the face of it; so far as can be judged from the first disclosure; a fact presumed to be true unless proven by some evidence to the contrary: The chief counsel at court indicated that there was prima facie evidence that Sam, the witness, committed perjury during his testimony.
Primum vir esto. (Latin motto)
Translation: "First, be a man."

Motto of Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas, USA.

Primus inter pares. (Latin motto)
Translation: "First among equals."

Motto of Columbus College, Columbus, Georgia, USA.

Pro aris, Pro focis. (Latin terms)
Translation: "For the altar. For the hearth."

Also "For the altar (church or religion), For the hearth (home)."

Pro bono humani generis. (Latin statement)
Translation: "For the good of humankind [mankind or humans]."

Motto of The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA.

Pro bono publico. (Latin statement)
Translation: "For the public good."

The full phrase for the expression of pro bono in English. There are some attorneys who devote a portion of their working time to legal cases in which they represent the poor or seek redress for public grievances, and a necessary condition of true pro bono work requires forgoing one's customary professional fees.

Pro Christo et humanitate.
For Christ and humanity.

Motto of Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan, USA.

Pro Christo et patria.
For Christ and country.

Motto of Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, USA.

Pro Christo et Republica.
For Christ and the Republic.

Motto of Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Pro Deo et ecclesia.
For God and church.
Pro Deo et patria.
For God and country.

Motto of the University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio, USA; as well as, Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, USA.

Pro ecclesia et patria.
For church and country.

Motto of Trinity College, Harford, Connecticut, USA.

Pro Ecclesia et Pro Patria.
School Motto of St. Albans School at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.