DICTUM

pronouncement, dictum, say-so

(noun) an authoritative declaration

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

dictum (plural dicta or dictums)

An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm.

A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.

The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it.

An arbitrament or award.

Source: Wiktionary


Dic"tum, n.; pl. L. Dicta, E. Dictums. Etym: [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 Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

29 May 2025

CRITICAL

(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; “a critical reading”; “a critical dissertation”; “a critical analysis of Melville’s writings”


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