noun pl. dictums -·tums or dicta -·ta (-tə)

1. a statement or saying, esp. a formal statement, specif.
   1. of fact, opinion, principle, etc.
   2. of one's will or judgment
2. 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

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