impresa

[ im-prey-zuh ]

noun

, Obsolete.

, plural im·pre·sas, im·pre·se [im-, prey, -zey].

1. a device or emblem.
2. a motto.

impresa

/ ɪmˈpriːz; ɪmˈpreɪzə /

noun

1. an emblem or device, usually a motto, as on a coat of arms

Word History and Origins

Origin of impresa¹

1580–90; < Italian: literally, undertaking, noun use of feminine of impreso, past participle of imprendere to undertake; emprise

Word History and Origins

Origin of impresa¹

C16: from Italian, literally: undertaking, hence deed of chivalry, motto, from imprendere to undertake; see emprise

Example Sentences

Opera Terribilissima—impresa chi arebbe giustamente fatto paura a una legione di pittori.

From Project Gutenberg

She assumed as her impresa the chantepleure, with the sorrowful motto: “Plus ne m'est rien: rien ne m'est plus.”

From Project Gutenberg

Her impresa, the crescent of Diana, is conspicuous on his palaces, and he even caused it to be engraved upon his coins.

From Project Gutenberg

Every one from the highest rank downwards had his personal devise or impresa, or more often a series of them.

From Project Gutenberg