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)