Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for AR'BI-TRA-RY
AR-BI-TRA'RI-OUS-LYAR'BI-TRATE
AR'BI-TRA-RY, a. [L. arbitrarius.]
- 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.
- Despotic; absolute in power; having no external control; as, an arbitrary prince, or government.
Return to page 165 of the letter “A”.