non possumus

[ non pos-uh-muhs; Latin nohn poh-soo-moos ]

noun

1. a statement that something cannot be done:

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of non possumus¹

From Latin: literally, “we cannot”

Example Sentences

Illa qu recitata sunt, vera sunt, sunt pura veritas; non possumus inficiari.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew the non possumus of Rome too well to believe that in a spiritual crisis she could be moved by the threats of any ruler.

From Project Gutenberg

The Austrian Government abandoned its non possumus, and discussed the nature and extent of the compensation alleged to be due.

From Project Gutenberg

Itaque non modo quod non possumus, sed ne quantum possumus quidem cogimur.

From Project Gutenberg

To this absolute-idealistic demand pragmatism simply opposes its non possumus.

From Project Gutenberg