in pet·to \-ˈped.(ˌ)ō\adverb (or adjective) Etymology: Italian, literally, in breast; probably translation of Latin in pectore 1.: in private : secretly — used especially of a cardinal appointed by the pope but not named in consistory 2.[influenced in meaning by English petty]: in miniature : on a small scale < an epic in petto — Louis Untermeyer >