arbiter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone with the power to settle matters at will
    supreme authority.
    • she was the final arbiter on all matters of fashion
  2. noun someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
    arbitrator; umpire.
    • the critic was considered to be an arbiter of modern literature
    • the arbitrator's authority derived from the consent of the disputants
    • an umpire was appointed to settle the tax case

WordNet

Ar"bi*ter noun
Etymology
L. arbiter; ar- (for ad) + the root of betere to go; hence properly, one who comes up to look on.
Definitions
  1. A person appointed, or chosen, by parties to determine a controversy between them. ✍ In modern usage, arbitrator is the technical word.
  2. Any person who has the power of judging and determining, or ordaining, without control; one whose power of deciding and governing is not limited.
    For Jove is arbiter of both to man. Cowper.
    Syn. -- Arbitrator; umpire; director; referee; controller; ruler; governor.
Ar"bi*ter transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To act as arbiter between. Obs.

Webster 1913