umpire

Definition

An official who presides over a sports match.

Etymology

From a Middle English rebracketing of a noumpere as an oumpere, from Old French nonper (“odd number, not even (as a tie-breaking arbitrator)”), from non (“not”) + per (“equal”), from Latin par (“equal”). Doublet of nonpareil.

Example Sentences

• "And you, O King, and you, O Goldry Bluszco, are likewise bound by oath to wrastle fairly and to abide by the ruling of me, the Red Foliot, whom ye are content to choose as your umpire."
• "The umpire called the pitch a strike."
• "The umpire must keep on his toes as the play often occurs around him."