U

dictum

noun, plural dic·ta [dik-tuh] /ˈdɪk tə/, dic·tums.

an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.
a saying; maxim.
obiter 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.