ultima ratio regum

[ool-ti-mah rah-tee-oh rey-goom, uhl-tuh-muh rey-shee-oh ree-guhm]

Latin.

1. the final argument of kings (a resort to arms): motto engraved on the cannon of Louis XIV.

Example Sentences

The barrels of these hollow columns were ornamented with the three fleurs de lis of the ancient French Monarchy; the handles on each cannon were two dolphins, and all the pieces displayed the pretentious motto: Nec pluribus impar of Louis XIV, with another more somber one: Ultima ratio regum.

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I, however, believe, that, when it comes to the "ultima ratio regum" with Russia, which will be sooner or later, Austria will forsake her quondam ally; that is, if France and England go hand in hand: Persia will rise in163 arms; her southern provinces will probably rebel; Poland will again revive; and the great empire fall to pieces.

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I by no means advocate the ultima ratio regum being resorted to in popular commotions, in saying this; but France would have been happier had the little corporal been permitted to use his artillerymen.

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It appeals to the primal instinct of men, self-preservation, and is the ultima ratio regum, the last argument of kings—and not only of kings, but of all other living things as well.

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The ultima ratio regum prevailed; and when we had destroyed their whole fishing fleet, the affair appeared much clearer than in the ingenious volumes of Grotius or Selden.

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