in petto

[ een-pet-taw; English in-pet-oh ]
/ inˈpɛt tɔ; English ɪnˈpɛt oʊ /

adjective, adverb Italian.

(of cardinals whom the pope appoints but does not disclose in consistory) not disclosed.

Origin of in petto

literally, in (the) breast

British Dictionary definitions for in petto

in petto
/ (ɪn ˈpɛtəʊ) /

adjective

RC Church not disclosed: used of the names of cardinals designate

Word Origin for in petto

Italian, literally: in the breast