Dic"tate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dictated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dictating.] [L. dictatus, p. p. of dictare, freq. of dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Dight.]
1.
To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.
The mind which dictated the Iliad.
Wayland.
Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit.
Macaulay.
2.
To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.
Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed.
Watts.
Syn. -- To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish.
© Webster 1913.
Dic"tate, v. i.
1.
To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).
Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign.
Macaulay.
2.
To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.
Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate.
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.
Dic"tate (?), n. [L. dictatum. See Dictate, v. t.]
A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.
I credit what the Grecian dictates say.
Prior.
Syn. -- Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition.
© Webster 1913.