ex voto

[ eks woh-toh; English eks voh-toh ]

/ ɛks ˈwoʊ toʊ; English ɛks ˈvoʊ toʊ /

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adjective, adverb Latin.

from, or in pursuance of, a vow.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of ex voto

First recorded in 1815–25

Words nearby ex voto

exurban, exurbanite, exurbia, exuviae, exuviate, ex voto, ex-works, -ey, Eyak, eyalet, Eyam

Other definitions for ex voto (2 of 2)

ex-voto

[ eks-voh-toh ]

/ ɛksˈvoʊ toʊ /

noun, plural ex-vo·tos.

a painting or other object left as an offering in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude, as for recovery from an illness or injury.

Origin of ex-voto

First recorded in 1815–25; from Latin ex vōtō literally, “out of a vow”; see ex-¹, vow

How to use ex voto in a sentence

This was no doubt the ex voto offering of some great man in old days, but no inscription was found to explain it.
The Cradle of Mankind|W.A. Wigram
Opposite the steps is a defaced bas-relief, probably a Virgin attended by angels—no doubt an ex-voto of the time of the Conquest.
Southern Spain|A.F. Calvert
The fainting figures that were painted in the ex-voto of the triptiques seemed ill with love.
Historia Amoris: A History of Love, Ancient and Modern|Edgar Saltus
In utter despair, Joan had decided to renounce war, she gave up her armor, and offered it up ex voto.
The Executioner's Knife|Eugne Sue

To its curative powers many crutches and ex voto objects, hung round the well, as in the Lourdes Grot, bear ample witness.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5|Various

British Dictionary definitions for ex voto

ex voto

/ Latin (ɛks ˈvəʊtəʊ) /

adverb, adjective

in accordance with a vow

noun

an offering made in fulfilment of a vow

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012