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.
© Webster 1913.
Um"pire, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Umpired (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Umpiring.]
1.
To decide as umpire; to arbitrate; to settle, as a dispute.
Judges appointed to umpire the matter in contest between them, and to decide where the right lies.
South.
2.
To perform the duties of umpire in or for; as, to umpire a game.
[Colloq.]
© Webster 1913.
Um"pire, v. i.
To act as umpire or arbitrator.
© Webster 1913.