'arbitre' originates from French, specifically the Old French word 'arbitre' (borrowed into French), ultimately from Latin 'arbiter' meaning 'judge' or 'witness'.

'arbitre' changed from Latin 'arbiter' into Old French 'arbitre' and eventually became the modern French word 'arbitre'.

Initially it referred to an 'arbiter' or 'judge' in a broad sense; over time the meaning narrowed in many contexts to a 'referee' or 'umpire' in sporting and adjudicative contexts.