Definition for AR'BI-TRA-RY

AR'BI-TRA-RY, a. [L. arbitrarius.]

  1. Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment. Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness. – Washington.
  2. Despotic; absolute in power; having no external control; as, an arbitrary prince, or government.

Return to page 165 of the letter “A”.