-status in quo-

{ ‖‖ } [ L., state in which. ] The state in which anything is already. The phrase is also used retrospectively, as when, on a treaty of peace, 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. The form status quo is in most common use. [ 1913 Webster ]