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1. Dictionary

   Dic·tum

   /ˈdiktəm/

   

   noun

   • 1. a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source: "the First Amendment dictum that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech”" Similar pronouncementproclamationdirectioninjunctionassertionstatementdictatecommandcommandmentmandateorderdecreeedictfiatpromulgationpreceptrequirementstipulationinstructionlawordinanceruleregulationukasepronunciamentorare:rescriptfirmandecretalirade
   • ▪ a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle: "the old dictum “might makes right.”" Similar sayingmaximaxiomproverbadageaphorismsawpreceptepigramepigraphmottotruismplatitudecommonplacewords of wisdompearls of wisdomexpressionphraseformulasloganquotationquoterare:apothegmgnome
   • ▪ short for obiter dictum

   Word Origin late 16th century: from Latin, literally ‘something said’, neuter past participle of dicere.

   Scrabble Points: 11

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