Arbiter, n.
Etymology: [L. arbiter; ar- (for ad) + the root of betere to go; hence properly, one who comes up to look on.]
1. A person appointed, or chosen, by parties to determine a controversy between them.
Note: 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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Arbiter, v. t.
To act as arbiter between. [Obs.]
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for arbiter; he lists it under judge.
Where he writes about it:
Arbiter, with its suggestion of final and absolute decision, has come to be used only in a high or sacred sense; as, war must now be the arbiter; the Supreme Arbiter of our destinies. — from judge
Antonyms
none given