The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dictate \Dic"tate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dictated; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Dictating.] [L. dictatus, p. p. of dictare, freq. of
   dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Dight.]
   1. To tell or utter so that another may write down; to
      inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an
      amanuensis.
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            The mind which dictated the Iliad.    --Wayland.
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            Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit.    --Macaulay.
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   2. To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to
      deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with
      authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a
      treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.
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            Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be
            believed.                             --Watts.

   Syn: To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge;
        admonish.
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