Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Arbitrary
1.
Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules;
as, an
arbitrary
decision; an arbitrary
punishment.It was wholly
arbitrary
in them to do so. Jer. Taylor.
Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is the most
arbitrary
of all things. Landor.
2.
Exercised according to one’s own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power.
Arbitrary
power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused licentiousness. Washington.
3.
Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical;
as, an
. arbitrary
prince or governmentDryden.
Arbitrary constant
,
Arbitrary function
(Math.)
, a quantity of function that is introduced into the solution of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special requirements.
– Arbitrary quantity
(Math.)
, one to which any value can be assigned at pleasure.
Webster 1828 Edition
Arbitrary
ARBITRARY
,Adj.
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.
2.
Despotic; absolute in power; having no external control; as, an arbitrary prince or government.