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DICTUM

 - 5 dictionary results

dic⋅tum

  [dik-tuhm]
Use DICTUM in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ta  [-tuh] , -tums.
1. an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.
2. a saying; maxim.
3. obiter dictum.
Origin:
1660–70; < L: something said, a saying, command, word, n. use of neut. ptp. of dīcere to say, speak; cf. index

Synonyms:
1. edict, decree, fiat, order, declaration. 2. adage, proverb, truism, saw.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dic·tum   (dĭk'təm)   
n.   pl. dic·ta (-tə) or dic·tums

  1. An authoritative, often formal pronouncement: "He cites Augustine's dictum that 'If you understand it, it is not God'" (Joseph Sobran).

  2. Law See obiter dictum.


[Latin, from neuter past participle of dīcere, to say; see deik- in Indo-European roots.]
o·bi·ter dictum   (ō'bĭ-tər)   
n.   pl. obiter dicta

  1. Law An opinion voiced by a judge that has only incidental bearing on the case in question and is therefore not binding. Also called dictum.

  2. An incidental remark or observation; a passing comment.


[Latin, something said in passing : obiter, in passing + dictum, something said, from neuter past participle of dīcere, to say.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

dictum 
1670, from L. dictum "thing said," neut. of dictus, pp. of dicere "say" (see diction). In legal use, a judge's expression of opinion which is not the formal resolution of a case.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: dic·tum
Pronunciation: 'dik-t&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural dic·ta /-t&/
Etymology: Latin, utterance, from neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere to say
: a view expressed by a judge in an opinion on a point not necessarily arising from or involved in a case or necessary for determining the rights of the parties involved called also obiter dictum —compare HOLDING, JUDGMENT, PRECEDENT, STARE DECISIS
NOTE: Dicta have persuasive value in making an argument, but they are not binding as precedent.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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