arbitrator
(ˈɑːbɪtreɪtə(r))
[a. OF. arbitratour, -eur, 13th c., ad. L. arbitrātōr-em, n. of agent f. arbitrā-ri: see arbiter and arbitrer.]
1. One who is chosen by the opposite parties in a dispute to arrange or decide the difference between them; an arbiter.
It is often the practice to appoint two or more arbitrators, with an umpire, chosen usually by them, as final referee. Arbitrator is now the legal term, arbiter remaining as a literary word.
| 1424 Paston Lett. 4. I. 14 The seyd arbitrement and ordinaunce of the seyd arbitratores. 1598 Kitchin Courts Leet (1675) 182 One juror was chosen arbitrator for one party. 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 21 Ane ordinar Judge may be ane Arbitratour, or amicabill compositor [cf. arbiter 2]. 1809 Tomlins Law Dict. s.v. Award, The arbitrator has a jurisdiction over the costs of the action. 1866 Motley Dutch Rep. vi. i. 793 In case of their inability to agree, they were to appoint arbitrators. |
† 2. Hence fig. of that which brings about a definite issue. Obs.
| 1591 Shakes. 1 Hen. VI, ii. v. 28 The Arbitrator of Despaires, Iust Death, kinde Vmpire of men's miseries. 1606 ― Tr. & Cr. iv. iii. 225 That old common Arbitrator, Time, Will one day end it. |
3. One who decides or ordains according to his own absolute pleasure; a supreme ordainer; = arbiter 3.
| 1579 Fenton Guicciard. i. (1599) 22 The only arbitrator and oracle of all Italy. 1675 Crowne Androm. v. 44 Who made thee arbitratour of his fate? 1737 Whiston Joseph. Wars i. x. §9 God is the arbitrator of success in war. 1877 Mrs. Oliphant Makers of Flor. i. 10 The Church as the grand arbitrator of all national concerns. |