dictum (redirected from dictums)

dic·tum  (dktm)

n. pl. dic·ta (-t) 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.

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[Latin, from neuter past participle of dcere, to say; see deik- in Indo-European roots.]

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dictum

Noun

pl -tums or -ta

1. a formal statement; pronouncement

2. a popular saying or maxim [Latin]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	dictum - an authoritative declaration         pronouncement, say-so declaration - a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written) directive - a pronouncement encouraging or banning some activity; "the boss loves to send us directives"
	2.	dictum - an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding obiter dictum judgement, legal opinion, opinion, judgment - the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision; "opinions are usually written by a single judge" law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"

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dictum

noun 1. saying, saw, maxim, adage, proverb, precept, axiom, gnome

noun 2. decree, order, demand, statement, command, dictate, canon, fiat, edict, pronouncement