private judge

noun

: a person who acts as judge in a dispute resolved outside of a court of law

Note: The law in some states in the U.S. allows for the parties in a case (such as a divorce or contract dispute) to agree to the appointment of an individual (such as a specialist in a field or a retired judge) to decide the matter outside of a court of law. In such a case, the parties pay for the judge's services and related costs.

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of private judge was in 1710

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Private judge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20judge. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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