Pronunciation: ˌ ō -b ə -t ə r- ' dik-t ə m, ˌ ä-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural obiter dic · ta \ -t ə \
Etymology: Late Latin, literally, something said in passing
Date: 1812
1 : an incidental and collateral opinion that is uttered by a judge but is not binding
2 : an incidental remark or observation