in petto

[ een-pet-taw; English in-pet-oh ]

adjective

, Italian.

1. (of cardinals whom the pope appoints but does not disclose in consistory) not disclosed.

in petto

/ ɪn ˈpɛtəʊ /

adjective

1. RC Church not disclosed: used of the names of cardinals designate

Word History and Origins

Origin of in petto¹

Literally, “in (the) breast”

Word History and Origins

Origin of in petto¹

Italian, literally: in the breast