Expert: Maria - 4/4/2009

Question
Hi i would like to find out the meaning that is under my family coat of arms it reads: HOC MAJORUM VIRTUS

Answer
Hello,

The literal translation of the  heraldic motto  HOC MAIORUM VIRTUS  is: “This is the valour of my ancestors”.

Note that the neuter demonstrative pronoun HOC (“this”) refers to the omitted neuter Latin noun INSIGNE meaning “badge of honour”/”emblem” where there is the image of a human heart pierced by a sword or a passion nail.

In short, this motto aims at pointing out that this coat of arms is the symbol of the courage of your ancestors.

Best regards,
Maria
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GRAMMATICAL ANALYSIS:

-HOC (nominative neuter of the demonstrative pronoun/adjective HIC agreed with the noun INSIGNE  which is understood) = this.

-MAIORUM (genitive plural of MAIORES, ancestors)= of the ancestors. Note that in classical Latin the J did not exist at all.This motto in fact dates back to medieval times, when Latin language  was not classical Latin  anymore, but late Latin.


-VIRTUS ( nominative feminine, 3rd.declension) = the valour/ courage.