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.
A class of critical dicta everywhere current. --M.
Arnold.
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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