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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• (Cricket) One of the two white-coated officials who preside over a cricket match.
  
• (Baseball) One of usually 4 officials who preside over a baseball game.
        The umpire called the pitch a strike.
  
• (fb) The official who stands behind the line on the defensive side.
        The umpire must keep on his toes as the play often occurs around him.
  
• (Cricket) To act as an umpire in a game of Cricket.