† noumpere Obs.
Forms: 4–5 nounper, -pier; 4 noumpere, 5 nowmper(e, -powre; 4 nompere, -peyr.
[a. OF. nonper, nomper, f. non- non- + per, pair peer.]
The original form of umpire.
1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. v. 181 Til Robyn þe Ropere weore..nempned for a noumpere þat no de-bat neore. a 1420 Bible (Wycl.) IV. 302 And while thei stryuen thus, the apostil putte him bitwene as a mene, distruynge alle her qwestiouns, as a good noumpere. 1424 Paston Lett. I. 14 The decree and jugement of a nounpier to be chosen by the same arbitrores. 1435 Plumpton Corr. (Camden) p. li, That the said award & ordinance of the said Nowmper be made be the feast of the Nativity. c 1440 Promp. Parv. 360 Nowmpere, or owmpere,..arbiter, sequester. |