nolo episcopari

Etymology
From. It was formerly maintained that those nominated for the post of bishop politely declined the offer twice with these words.

Interjection

 * 1) Expressing a facetiously modest refusal of something which is actually desired.
 * 2) * 1869, Pele-Mele, ‘Nolens (Volens) Episcopari’, New Monthly Magazine, vol. 145:
 * ‘Nolo episcopari,’ he urges in grateful deprecation.
 * 1) * 1869, Pele-Mele, ‘Nolens (Volens) Episcopari’, New Monthly Magazine, vol. 145:
 * ‘Nolo episcopari,’ he urges in grateful deprecation.