in petto

American

[een-pet-taw, in-pet-oh] / inˈpɛt tɔ, ɪnˈpɛt oʊ /

adjective

Italian.

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

in petto British

/ ɪn ˈpɛtəʊ /

adjective

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of in petto

Literally, “in (the) breast”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The skill of the Japanese is quite marvellous in certain directions: They make everything in petto, in miniature—the smallest earthenware; the tiniest cups and saucers.

From Project Gutenberg

Royalty in petto seems to have taken, with a most refreshing cordiality, to the avocations of baking and brewing, pig-tending, poultry-feeding, and pony-catching.

From Project Gutenberg

The friend in petto was now, in her opinion, well qualified to speak a plain word.

From Project Gutenberg

These kings in petto appointed their own judges and courts, could reverse sentences, pardon at will for any crime, and indict at pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pope had declar’d in a private Consistory, that he was resolv’d to make five Cardinals, viz. the three Nuncios above-mention’d, Signior Ruspoli, and a Fifth, whom he reserv’d in Petto.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023