arbitressn.
/ˈɑːbᵻtrᵻs/, /ɑːbᵻˈtrɛs/, U.S. /ˈɑrbətrəs/ A female arbiter.
1. One who settles disputes, a mediatress.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > [noun] > settling quarrels or disputes > arbitration > arbitrator > female
arbitress1340
arbitratrix1577
oddwoman1587
umpiress1602
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 154 A trewe arbitres betuene Þe goste and þe ulesse.
a1649 W. Drummond Hist. James I in Wks. (1711) 11 Had France but shown her self an indifferent Arbitress of the Blows between Scotland and England.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. i. 19 The arbitress of the quarrels of unruly spirits.
1835 I. Taylor Spiritual Despotism vii. 308 The Church is sovereign arbitress of controversy.
2. A female who has absolute control or disposal.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > settlement of dispute, arbitration > [noun] > one who arbitrates > female
arbitratrix1577
arbitress1594
umpiress1602
society > authority > power > [noun] > powerful person or body > powerful person > possessing sole power of decision > female
arbitress1594
1594 S. Daniel Trag. Cleopatra (1717) 278 O fearful frowning Nemesis..That art the World's great Arbitress.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 785 While over head the Moon Sits Arbitress . View more context for this quotation
1796 E. Burke Two Lett. Peace Regicide Directory France in Wks. (1842) II. 293 To make England..the arbitress of Europe.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey IV. vii. ii. 335 The Arbitress of Fashion is one who is allowed to be singular, in order that she may suppress singularity.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1885; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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