dictum
pronunciation
How to pronounce dictum in British English:
UK [ˈdɪktəm]
How to pronounce dictum in American English:
US [ˈdɪktəm]
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- Noun:
- an authoritative declaration
- an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
Word Origin
- dictum (n.)
- 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.