■ noun
1》 (in certain sports) an official who watches a game or match closely to enforce the rules and arbitrate on matters arising from the play.
2》 a person chosen to arbitrate between contending parties.
■ verb act as ~ in (a game or match).
Derivatives
umpirage noun
~ship noun
Origin
ME (orig. as noumpere ): from OFr. nonper 'not equal'; the n was lost by wrong division of a noumpere .