v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. say or read aloud (words to be written down or recorded).
2 a tr. prescribe or lay down authoritatively (terms, things to be done). b intr. lay down the law; give orders.
--n. (usu. in pl.) an authoritative instruction (dictates of conscience).
Etymology: L dictare dictat- frequent. of dicere dict- say