Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dictate \Dic"tate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dictated}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Dictating}.] [L. dictatus, p. p. of dictare, freq. of
   dicere to say. See {Diction}, and cf. {Dight}.]
   1. To tell or utter so that another may write down; to
      inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an
      amanuensis.

            The mind which dictated the Iliad.    --Wayland.

            Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit.    --Macaulay.

   2. To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to
      deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with
      authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a
      treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.

            Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be
            believed.                             --Watts.

   Syn: To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge;
        admonish.