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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The mind which dictated the Iliad. Wayland. [ 1913 Webster ]

Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed. Watts.

Syn. -- To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on). [ 1913 Webster ]

Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I credit what the Grecian dictates say. Prior.

Syn. -- Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition. [ 1913 Webster ]