obiter dictum

noun obi·ter dic·tum \ˌō-bə-tər-ˈdik-təm, ˌä-\

plural obiter dic·ta \-tə\

Definition of OBITER DICTUM

: an incidental and collateral opinion that is uttered by a judge but is not binding

: an incidental remark or observation

Late Latin, literally, something said in passing

First Known Use: 1812

Next Word in the Dictionary: obitualPrevious Word in the Dictionary: obiter All Words Near: obiter dictum

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