(~s, or dicta)
1.
A ~ is a saying that describes an aspect of life in an interesting or wise way.
...the ~ that it is preferable to be roughly right than precisely wrong...
= saying
N-COUNT: oft N that
2.
A ~ is a formal statement made by someone who has authority.
...Disraeli’s ~ that the first priority of the government must be the health of the people.
N-COUNT: oft N that