1 obiter dicta | Definition of obiter dicta
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

obiter dictum

noun
obi·​ter dic·​tum | \ ˌō-bə-tər-ˈdik-təm How to pronounce obiter dictum (audio) , ˌä-\
plural obiter dicta\ ˌō-​bə-​tər-​ˈdik-​tə How to pronounce obiter dicta (audio) , ˌä-​ \

Definition of obiter dictum

1 : an incidental and collateral opinion that is uttered by a judge but is not binding
2 : an incidental remark or observation

First Known Use of obiter dictum

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for obiter dictum

borrowed from Late Latin, "something said in passing"

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for obiter dictum

obiter dictum

noun
obi·​ter dic·​tum | \ ˈō-bi-tər-ˈdik-təm, ˈä-bi- How to pronounce obiter dictum (audio) \
plural obiter dicta\ -​tə How to pronounce obiter dicta (audio) \

Legal Definition of obiter dictum

: an incidental and collateral remark that is uttered or written by a judge but is not binding : dictum

History and Etymology for obiter dictum

Late Latin, literally, something said in passing

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!