noun (n)

• an authoritative declaration(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  pronouncement, say-so
  

  source: wordnet30
• an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  obiter dictum
  

  source: wordnet30
• An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; an apothegm.(noun)

  source: webster1913