Dictate (?), 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.
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The mind which dictated the Iliad. Wayland.
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Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit. Macaulay.
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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.
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Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed. Watts.

Syn. -- To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish.
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Dictate (?), 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.
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I credit what the Grecian dictates say. Prior.

Syn. -- Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition.
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