dictum
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪktəm/
noun ( plural dicta /-tə/ or dictums)
- a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source: the dicta of High Court Judges
- a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle: the old dictum ‘might is right’
- Lawshort for obiter dictum
Origin:
late 16th century: from Latin, literally 'something said', neuter past participle of dicere