arbitress

American  

[ahr-bi-tris] / ˈɑr bɪ trɪs /

noun

1. a woman who is an arbiter.

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arbitress British  

/ ˈɑːbɪtrɪs /

noun

1. a female arbitrator

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Usage

What does arbitress mean? Arbitress is a word for a woman who is an arbitrator—an independent, impartial third party that works to settle a dispute between two opposing sides, often by making a decision that they both agree to. This process is called arbitration. To act as an arbitrator is to arbitrate. These terms are especially used in the context of negotiations between businesses and labor unions as well as in international disputes. Many once widely-used gender-specific terms that identify a particular professional person as a woman (such as stewardess) are now much less commonly used. The word arbitress is particularly rare. It’s possible that a woman may use the term arbitress to identify her position or profession, but this is not common. Using the word to refer to a woman who is an arbitrator is likely to be seen as offensive due to implying that her gender is somehow relevant to her role.

Gender

What's the difference between arbitress and arbiter? See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of arbitress

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French arbitresse, equivalent to arbitre arbit(e)r + -esse -ess

Example Sentences

"We and the Czar will have to administer it," said Lady Mabel, with the air of an arbitress of nations.

From The Actress in High Life An Episode in Winter Quarters by Bowen, Sue Petigru

To these mentioned by Dr. Lowth may be added arbitress, poetess, chauntress, duchess, tigress, governess, tutress, peeress, authoress, traytress, and perhaps othets.

From A Grammar of the English Tongue by Johnson, Samuel

Faëry elves, Whose midnight revels, by a forest side Or fountain, some belated peasant sees, Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon Sits arbitress.

From The Zankiwank and The Bletherwitch An Original Fantastic Fairy Extravaganza by Fitzgerald, S. J. Adair

It is the arbitress in the choice of good and evil and is under no obligation to render an account of its doings to any one....

From England and Germany by Hughes, William Morris

Fairy elves, Whose midnight revels by a forest side Or fountain some belated peasant sees, Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon Sits arbitress.

From Familiar Quotations A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern Literature by Bartlett, John