A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Umpire,) Umpeir, Umphire, n. [Late ME and e.m.E. owmper (Lydgate), vmpere (c1430), vmpier (1551), vmpire (1599), earlier noumpere (etc.), OF non-, nomper.] An umpire, one who arbitrates between contending parties in a dispute. —1658 Tayler Hist. Fam. Urquhart 57.
Which tuo are to be judges, parrares, and umphires … betwyxte me and you 1675 Kirkcaldy B. Rec. MS (22 Nov.).
The Lord Chancellor to be umpeir and oversman
