E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Carthag’inem esse Delendam (censeo)
were the words with which Cato the Elder concluded every speech in the Roman senate. More usually quoted “Delenda est Carthago.” They are now proverbial, and mean, “That which stands in the way of our greatness must be removed at all hazards.”
