Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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. An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; an
      apothegm.

            A class of critical dicta everywhere current. --M.
                                                  Arnold.

   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.

Source : WordNet®

dictum
     n 1: an authoritative declaration [syn: {pronouncement}, {say-so}]
     2: an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly
        bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
        [syn: {obiter dictum}]
     [also: {dicta} (pl)]