dictum

[dik-tuh m] /ˈdɪk təm/
noun, plural dicta
[dik-tuh] /ˈdɪk tə/ (Show IPA), dictums.
1.
an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.
2.
a saying; maxim.
3.
obiter dictum.
Origin
1660-70; < Latin: something said, a saying, command, word, noun use of neuter past participle of dīcere to say, speak; cf. index
Synonyms
1. edict, decree, fiat, order, declaration. 2. adage, proverb, truism, saw.
Examples from the web for dictum
  • Another dictum: perception is reality.
  • The old Washington dictum of "don't do anything unless there's a crisis" has taken on the status of international law.
  • And we've gone a whole lot farther than following our mother's dictum to wash our hands before dinner.
  • As a dictum, it served him well, but it hardly amounts to a business model.
  • The profligate spending has been encouraged by the dictum that maximizing profit is all that matters.
  • Scott's dictum, that comment is free but facts are sacred, suited Keynes well since he had plenty of both to offer his readers.
  • Remember the "last hired first fired" dictum.
  • According to Mao's well-worn dictum, guerrillas must be like fish swimming in the “water” of the general population.
  • Remember the old dictum, “know your enemy&rdquo.
  • Metaphorically, though, the dictum goes unheeded.
British Dictionary definitions for dictum

dictum

/ˈdɪktəm/
noun (pl) -tums, -ta (-tə)
1.
a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement
2.
a popular saying or maxim
3.
(law) See obiter dictum
Word Origin
C16: from Latin, from dīcere to say
Word Origin and History for dictum
n.

1660s, from Latin dictum "thing said (a saying, bon-mot, prophecy, etc.), an order, command," neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere "say" (see diction). In legal use, a judge's expression of opinion which is not the formal resolution of a case.