I remain, &c,

[light]

hello,
I found this phrase "I remain, &c," at the end of a formal letter. What does it exactly mean? why the symbol & is used? what does "c" stand for?
I predict it means something like faithfully but I want to learn the details if possible and also is it OK just to write "I remain," without &c, ?
also is there a sourcebook where I can learn about these interesting and strange things in English?
thanks in advance

 

[bhaisahab]

hello,
I found this phrase "I remain, &c," at the end of a formal letter. What does it exactly mean? why the symbol & is used? what does "c" stand for?
I predict it means something like faithfully but I want to learn the details if possible and also is it OK just to write "I remain," without &c, ?
also is there a sourcebook where I can learn about these interesting and strange things in English?
thanks in advance

You can't use "I remain" with nothing following. "I remain &c". is a rather unecessary form of "I remain etc." which, in itself is a bit abrupt as an abbreviation for "I remain yours faithfully".

 

[light]

thank you for the explanation. so &c means etc.
many of the 18th century letters were closed liked this.

by the way, is it also possible to end a letter saying "so says"?
what does it mean? is it formal or informal?