status quo Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the existing state of affairs

WordNet

Sta"tus in` quo", Sta"tus quo" (Also<
  • Status in quo
  • Status quo
)
Etymology
L., state in which.
Definitions
  1. The state in which anything is already. The phrase is also used retrospectively, as when, on a treaty of place, matters return to the status quo ante bellum, or are left in statu quo ante bellum, i.e., the state (or, in the state) before the war. usu. status quo

Webster 1913