FERT, the motto

Motto

A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...

 of the Royal House of Italy

Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)

The Kingdom of Italy was a state forged in 1861 by the unification of Italy under the influence of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which was its legal predecessor state...

, the House of Savoy

House of Savoy

The House of Savoy was formed in the early 11th century in the historical Savoy region. Through gradual expansion, it grew from ruling a small county in that region to eventually rule the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 until the end of World War II, king of Croatia and King of Armenia...

, was adopted by King Vittorio Amedeo II (1666–1732).

It appeared for the first time on the collar of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation

Order of the Most Holy Annunciation

The Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation is an order of chivalry, or knighthood, originating in mediæval Italy. It eventually was the pinnacle of the honours system in the Kingdom of Italy, which ceased to be a national order when the kingdom became a republic in 1946...

 or Ordine Supremo della Santissima Annunziata, the primary dynastic order of the kingdom. This ceased to be a national order when Italy became a republic in 1946. The order remains under the jurisdiction of the head of the House of Savoy however, as hereditary Sovereign and Grand Master.
The meaning of the letters has been a matter of some controversy, to which a number of interpretations have been offered. The motto is believed an acronym of:—

• Foedere et Religione Tenemur (Latin: "We are bound by treaty
  Treaty
  A treaty is an express agreement under international law entered into by actors in international law, namely sovereign states and international organizations. A treaty may also be known as an agreement, protocol, covenant, convention or exchange of letters, among other terms...
  
   and by religion");

although others have suggested:—

• Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tenuit (Latin: "His strength conquered Rhodes" or "By his bravery he held [or occupied] Rhodes"), referring to the victory of Duke Amadeo V (1249–1323), who fought against the Saracens at the siege of Rhodes
  Rhodes
  Rhodes is an island in Greece, located in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population, with a population of 117,007, and also the island group's historical capital. Administratively the island forms a separate municipality within...
  
   in 1310; or either

• Fortitudo Eius Republicam Tenet (Latin: "His bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the Republic"); or

• Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin: "Faith is the protector of [our] Kingdom").

It has also been suggested that the letters are actually the third person singular of the present indicative tense of the Latin

Latin

Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...

 verb ferre, which would indicate that the Royal House is supported by the bond of faith sworn to the Virgin Mary. It sometimes appeared repeated three times, as it was understood as having three different meanings.

Criticism of the House of Savoy, and its tendency to raid its enemies whenever they showed any sign of distraction or weakness, inspired a parody:

• Frappez, Entrez, Rompez Tout (French: "Strike, Enter, Break Everything").