Something needed before formulating sentence, found in whatever dictionary (7)
I believe the answer is:
verdict
'something needed before formulating sentence' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'in whatever dictionary' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'VERDICT' can be found hidden inside 'whatever dictionary'.
'found' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for verdict that I've seen before include "Trial result" , "Result of deliberation" , "Decision of a jury" , "What a jury brings in" , "where this is delivered" .)