dictum
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- an authoritative declarationSynonyms: pronouncementsay-so
- an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not bindingSynonyms: obiter dictum
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Dictum \Dic"tum\, n.; pl. L. Dicta, E. Dictums. [L., neuter of dictus, p. p. of dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Ditto.]
1.An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; an apothegm. [1913 Webster]
A class of critical dicta everywhere current.— M. Arnold.[1913 Webster]
2.(Law) (a) A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it. (b) (French Law) The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it. --Bouvier. (c) An arbitrament or award. [1913 Webster]