cedant arma togae

[ key-dahnt ahr-mah toh-gahy; English see-dant ahr-muh toh-jee ]

Latin.

1. let military power be subject to civil authority: motto of Wyoming.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cedant arma togae¹

Literally, “let arms yield to the toga”

Example Sentences

Another line quoted in the 2nd Philippic is Cedant arma togae, concedat laurea laudi.

From Project Gutenberg

The truth is that in this age cedant arma togae: it is the civilian who rules on the throne or behind it, and who makes the fighting-men his mere agents.

From Project Gutenberg

Why," answered the Keeper, with some hesitation, "the room was fitted up in our absence, and cedant arma togae is the maxim of lawyers, you know: I am afraid it has been here somewhat too literally complied with.

From Project Gutenberg

It was in them that the much-abused lines O fortunam natam me Consule Romam, and Cedant arma togae, concedat laurea laudi, occurred.

From Project Gutenberg

When the Romans said "cedant arma togae," they did not refer to civil officials and soldiers; the civil officials were then soldiers in their turn; professional soldiers did not exist.

From Project Gutenberg