I. ˈärbə.ˌtrerē, ˈȧb-, -ri adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French arbitraire, from Latin arbitrarius, from arbitr-, arbiter judge + -arius -ary — more at arbiter
1. : depending on choice or discretion ; specifically : determinable by decision of a judge or tribunal rather than defined by statute
an arbitrary decision
arbitrary punishment
2.
a.
(1) : arising from unrestrained exercise of the will, caprice, or personal preference : given to expressing opinions that arise thus
(2) : selected at random or as a typical example
such arbitrary items as clothing, room furnishings, travel — Official Register of Harvard University
b. : based on random or convenient selection or choice rather than on reason or nature
an arbitrary symbol
arbitrary division of historical studies into watertight compartments — A.J.Toynbee
c. Britain , of a printing character : not usually found in the ordinary type font
3.
a. : given to willful irrational choices and demands : imperious
a man of iron will and arbitrary decision
b. : characterized by absolute power or authority : despotic , tyrannical
arbitrary rule
an arbitrary governor
Synonyms: see absolute
II. noun
( -es )
1. : something that is arbitrary
the … conception of cosmic rule, into which an element of the arbitrary had found its way — S.F.Mason
2.
a. : a fixed sum allowed a carrier in making or dividing a through rate
b. : an amount added to or deducted from a basic transportation rate, fare, or charge (as an increment for abnormal services or features) ; also : a payment to employees for work other than regular duties