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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

A man, in questions of this kind, is able to be a skillful umpire between himself and others. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) A third person, who is to decide a controversy or question submitted to arbitrators in case of their disagreement. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Judge; arbitrator; referee. See Judge. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Umpired p. pr. & vb. n. Umpiring. ] 1. To decide as umpire; to arbitrate; to settle, as a dispute. [ 1913 Webster ]

Judges appointed to umpire the matter in contest between them, and to decide where the right lies. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To perform the duties of umpire in or for; as, to umpire a game. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To act as umpire or arbitrator. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Umpirage; arbitrament. Jewel. [ 1913 Webster ]