ultima ratio regum

[ ool-ti-mah rah-tee-oh rey-goom; English uhl-tuh-muh rey-shee-oh ree-guhm ]

Latin.

1. the final argument of kings (a resort to arms): motto engraved on the cannon of Louis XIV.

Example Sentences

The barrels of these hollow columns were ornamented with the three fleurs de lis of the ancient French Monarchy; the handles on each cannon were two dolphins, and all the pieces displayed the pretentious motto: Nec pluribus impar of Louis XIV, with another more somber one: Ultima ratio regum.

From Project Gutenberg

I, however, believe, that, when it comes to the "ultima ratio regum" with Russia, which will be sooner or later, Austria will forsake her quondam ally; that is, if France and England go hand in hand: Persia will rise in163 arms; her southern provinces will probably rebel; Poland will again revive; and the great empire fall to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

I by no means advocate the ultima ratio regum being resorted to in popular commotions, in saying this; but France would have been happier had the little corporal been permitted to use his artillerymen.

From Project Gutenberg

It appeals to the primal instinct of men, self-preservation, and is the ultima ratio regum, the last argument of kings—and not only of kings, but of all other living things as well.

From Project Gutenberg

The ultima ratio regum prevailed; and when we had destroyed their whole fishing fleet, the affair appeared much clearer than in the ingenious volumes of Grotius or Selden.

From Project Gutenberg