dictum

Dictum is defined as a statement or ruling that is from an official source or that expresses a principle.

(noun)

An example of dictum is a rule found in the Constitution or a ruling issued by a judge.

See dictum in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. dictums or dicta

a statement or saying, esp. a formal statement, specif.
1. of fact, opinion, principle, etc.
2. of one's will or judgment
Law a judge's remark or observation on some point of law which is not essential to the case in question, hence not binding as a legal precedent

Origin: L, something said, word, neut. of dictus, pp. of dicere: see diction

See dictum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. dic·ta (-tə) or dic·tums

An authoritative, often formal pronouncement: “He cites Augustine's dictum that ‘If you understand it, it is not God’” (Joseph Sobran).
Law See obiter dictum.

Origin:

Origin: Latin

Origin: , from

Origin: neuter past participle of dīcere, to say; see deik- in Indo-European roots

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