arbitress
(ˈɑːbɪtrɪs)
[a. OF. arbitresse, fem. of arbitre: see -ess.]
A female arbiter.
1. One who settles disputes, a mediatress.
| 1340 Ayenb. 154 A trewe arbitres betuene Þe goste and þe ulesse. c 1630 Drummond of Hawthornden James I Wks. (1711) 11 Had France but shown herself an indifferent arbitress of the blows between Scotland and England. 1748 Richardson Clarissa (1811) II. xlix. 368 The arbitress of the quarrels of unruly spirits. 1835 I. Taylor Spir. Despot. vii. 308 The Church is sovereign arbitress of controversy. |
2. A female who has absolute control or disposal.
| 1594 Daniel Cleopatra (1717) 278 O fearful frowning Nemesis..That art the World's great Arbitress. 1667 Milton P.L. i. 784 While over head the Moon Sits Arbitress. 1796 Burke Regic. Peace Wks. 1842 II. 293 To make England..the arbitress of Europe. 1826 Disraeli Viv. Grey vii. ii. 393 The arbitress of fashion is one who is allowed to be singular, in order that she may suppress singularity. |