ETYM French See Motto.
(French) “word”; pithy saying; bon mot. mot juste, word or phrase exactly expressing an idea.
1. A word; hence, a motto; a device.
2. A pithy or witty saying; a witticism.
Trait d'esprit ingénieux, vif et plaisant. Diseur de bons mots.
Plaisanterie paradoxale.