Ar"bi*ter (&?;), n. [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.

&fist; 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, v. t. To act as arbiter between. [Obs.]

• A person appointed, or chosen, by parties to determine a controversy between them.
  
• Any person who has the power of judging and determining, or ordaining, without control; one whose power of deciding and governing is not limited.
  
• To act as arbiter between.