obiterdictum

o·bi·ter dictum (ō'bĭ-tər) n. pl. obiter dicta

1. Law. An opinion voiced by a judge that has only incidental bearing on the case in question and is therefore not binding. Also called dictum.

2. An incidental remark or observation; a passing comment.

  [Latin, something said in passing : obiter, in passing + dictum, something said, from neuter past participle of dīcere, to say.]

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