noun
- a plural of dictum.
noun, plural dic·ta [dik-tuh] /ˈdɪk tə/, dic·tums.
- an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.
- a saying; maxim.
- obiter dictum.
noun
- a plural of dictum
noun plural -tums or -ta (-tə)
- a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement
- a popular saying or maxim
- law See obiter dictum
1660s, from Latin dictum “thing said (a saying, bon-mot, prophecy, etc.), an order, command,” neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere “say” (see diction). In legal use, a judge’s expression of opinion which is not the formal resolution of a case.