ˈämˌbu̇dzmən, ˈȯm-, -(ˌ)bəd-, ämˈb-, ȯmˈb-, -ˌman noun
( plural ombuds·men -mən, -ˌmen)
Etymology: Swedish, literally, representative, commissioner, from Old Norse umbothsmathr , from umboth commission (from um around + bjōtha to command) + mathr man — more at ember day bid man
1. : a government official (as in Sweden or New Zealand) appointed to receive and investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials
2. : one that investigates complaints (as from students or customers), reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements
• om·buds·man·ship -_mənˌship noun