\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}.

\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.]

\Um"pire\, v. i.
To act as umpire or arbitrator.