1. the breast or chest, especially as the seat of emotions or courage
Usage: archaic; literary; chiefly used in the phrase 'in petto'
2. in petto: held in reserve or kept secret, especially of a cardinal appointed by the Pope but not yet publicly announced
Usage: ecclesiastical; formal; Italian origin

Examples

• He beat his fist against his petto in frustration.
• The cardinal was created in petto and remained unknown to the public for months.
• She held the secret close to her petto.
• The Pope announced several cardinals in petto during the consistory.
• His courage swelled in his petto as he faced the challenge.