DICTUM

‖Dic″tum (?), n.; pl. L. Dicta (#), E. Dictums (#). [[L., neuter of dictus, p. p. of dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Ditto.]] 1. 1. An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; an apothegm.
A class of critical dicta everywhere current. M. Arnold. 2. 2. (Law) (a) A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it. (b) (French Law) The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it. Bouvier. (c) An arbitrament or award.