Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Umpire?

\Um"pire\, n. [OE. nompere, nounpere (also impier, fr. F. impair uneven), fr. OF. nomper uneven, F. non-pair; hence the meaning, uneven, i. e., third person; non not + OF. per even, equal, peer, F. pair; cf. L. impar uneven, unequal. See {Non-}, and {Peer}, n.] 1. A person to whose sole decision a controversy or question between parties is referred; especially, one chosen to see that the rules of a game, as cricket, baseball, or the like, are strictly observed. A man, in questions of this kind, is able to be a skillful umpire between himself and others. --Barrow. 2. (Law) A third person, who is to decide a controversy or question submitted to arbitrators in case of their disagreement. --Blackstone. Syn: Judge; arbitrator; referee. See {Judge}.
\Um"pire\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Umpired}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Umpiring}.] 1. To decide as umpire; to arbitrate; to settle, as a dispute. Judges appointed to umpire the matter in contest between them, and to decide where the right lies. --South. 2. To perform the duties of umpire in or for; as, to umpire a game. [Colloq.]
\Um"pire\, v. i. To act as umpire or arbitrator.