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.