non possumus

American  

[non pos-uh-muhs, nohn poh-soo-moos] / nɒn ˈpɒs ə məs, noʊn ˈpoʊ sʊˌmʊs /

noun

1. a statement that something cannot be done.

   The Pope would not accept a non possumus from the king.

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Etymology

Origin of non possumus

From Latin: literally, “we cannot”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

non possumus

The Prague Government made representations to Budapest, but the Royal Hungarian Government assumed a non possumus attitude.

From Time Magazine Archive

With this depressing revelation and the British non possumus to his demand for the freedom of the seas, Mr. Wilson's practical difficulties began.

From The Inside Story of the Peace Conference by Dillon, Emile Joseph

If, however, the Government had been content with a blunt non possumus, a case could no doubt have been made out for insisting upon their pound of flesh.

From The Story of Newfoundland by Birkenhead, Frederick Edwin Smith, Earl of

In spite of the deterrents the Polish delegation at that interview met all these demands with a firm non possumus.

From The Inside Story of the Peace Conference by Dillon, Emile Joseph

There is a dismal non possumus in nature.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor