E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ob’iter dictum (Latin).
An incidental remark, an opinion expressed by a judge, but not judiciously. An obiter dictum has no authority beyond that of deference to the wisdom, experience, and honesty of the person who utters it; but a judicial sentence is the verdict of a judge bound under oath to pronounce judgment only according to law and evidence.
