Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—I

In Petto

(Italian). Held in reserve, kept back, something done privately, and not announced to the general public. (In pectore [Latin], in the breast.)

Cardinals in petto.
Cardinals about to be elected, but not yet publicly announced. Their names are in pectore (of the Pope).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
In Posse
In Perpetuam
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