ARBITRARY, something left to the choice and determination of men; not fixed and settled by any positive law or injunction. See LAW, LIBERTY, etc. The punishment for such a crime is arbitrary—arbitrary fines or mulcts are usually called amercements. See AMER CEMENT. The laws or measures whereby the Creator acts are arbitrary; at least all the physical laws. See LAW OF NATURE. Arbitrary Power. See DESPOTIC, POWER, MONARCHY, GOVERNMENT. The word is formed from the Latin arbitrium, will; whence also arbiter, arbitrator, etc.
ARBITRARY
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- Written by: Ephraïm Chambers
- Category: Unclassified