arbitrator

Arbitrator, n.

Etymology: [L., fr. arbitrari: cf. F. arbitrateur.]

1. A person, or one of two or more persons, chosen by parties who have a controversy, to determine their differences. See Arbitration.

2. One who has the power of deciding or prescribing without control; a ruler; a governor. Though Heaven be shut, And Heaven's high Arbitrators sit secure. Milton. Masters of their own terms and arbitrators of a peace. Addison.

Syn. -- Judge; umpire; referee; arbiter. See Judge.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for arbitrator; he lists it under judge.

Where he writes about it:

A referee is appointed by a court to decide disputed matters between litigants; an arbitrator is chosen by the contending parties to decide matters in dispute without action by a court. — from judge

Synonyms

judge arbiter justice referee umpire

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online