from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
A class of critical dicta everywhere current. --M.
Arnold.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]