- a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.
- a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.
- a short saying expressing the guiding maxim or ideal of a family, organization, etc, esp when part of a coat of arms
- a short explanatory phrase inscribed on or attached to something
- a verse or maxim contained in a paper cracker
- a quotation prefacing a book or chapter of a book
- a recurring musical phrase
