Definition of DICTUM

dictum

Meanings

Plural: dicta, dictums

Noun

  • an authoritative declaration
  • an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
  • An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm.
  • A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.
  • The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it.
  • An arbitrament or award.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin dictum (“proverb, maxim”), from dictus (“having been said”), perfect passive participle of dico (“I say”). Compare Spanish dicho (“saying”). Doublet of dict.

Synonyms

obiter dictum, pronouncement, say-so

Scrabble Score: 11

dictum is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
dictum is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
dictum is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

dictum is a valid Words With Friends word