arbiter

[ ahr-bi-ter ]
See synonyms for arbiter on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a person empowered to decide matters at issue; judge; umpire.

  2. a person who has the sole or absolute power of judging or determining.

Origin of arbiter

1
1350–1400; Middle English arbitour, arbitre<Anglo-French, Old French <Latin arbiter

Other words from arbiter

  • su·per·ar·bi·ter, noun

Words Nearby arbiter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use arbiter in a sentence

  • The Franks were accustomed to appeal to the drawn sword as being the only arbiter of existence.

  • The one whose throw was the highest was forthwith declared the rx (magister, arbiter) bibend.

    The Private Life of the Romans | Harold Whetstone Johnston
  • Having got an upright judge, they must use him as the arbiter of their differences.

    Theodoric the Goth | Thomas Hodgkin
  • She was the dispenser of court favors, the arbiter of fortunes, the real ruler of the land.

  • And with this I conclude, inclosing to you these lines, written in your own hand, and leaving you the arbiter of their value.

    Night and Morning, Complete | Edward Bulwer-Lytton

British Dictionary definitions for arbiter

arbiter

/ (ˈɑːbɪtə) /


noun
  1. a person empowered to judge in a dispute; referee; arbitrator

  2. a person having complete control of something

Origin of arbiter

1
C15: from Latin, of obscure origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012