leuze

Dutch

Alternative forms

• leus

Etymology

Possibly from Proto-Germanic *lusi-, which would then be ablautically related to *lausaz (“loose”). The sense would have evolved from "replacement of the guard" to "watchword."

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈløːzə/

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

leuze f (plural leuzen, diminutive leusje n)

1. motto
2. watchword (rallying cry)

Usage notes

• In heraldry, the term "leuze" denotes a motto which goes above a shield, or on the border of the baldachin, whereas "wapenspreuk" goes under the shield, on a scroll.

Synonyms

• (motto): zinspreuk
• (watchword): wapenspreuk

Descendants

• → Papiamentu: leus (dated, from leus)

Limburgish

Alternative forms

• leëze (Southeast Limburgish)
  • léëse (Eupen)
  • leäse (Krefeld)
• laeze (widespread)

Etymology

From Middle Dutch lēsen, from Old Dutch lesan.

Verb

leuze

1. (Maastrichtian) to read