Arbitrate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Arbitrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Arbitrating.]
Etymology: [L. arbitratus, p. p. of arbitrari to be a hearer or beholder of something, to make a decision, to give judgment, fr. arbiter. See Arbiter.]
1. To hear and decide, as arbitrators; as, to choose to arbitrate a disputed case.
2. To decide, or determine generally. South. There shall your swords and lances arbitrate The swelling difference of your settled hate. Shak.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Arbitrate, v. i.
1. To decide; to determine. Shak.
2. To act as arbitrator or judge; as, to arbitrate upon several reports;; to arbitrate in disputes among heighbors; to arbitrate between parties to a suit.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for arbitrate; he lists it under interpose.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.