1. A type of master appointed by a court to assist with certain proceedings. • In some jurisdictions, referees take testimony before reporting to the court. See MASTER(2). [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 1890; Reference 35–77. C.J.S. References §§ 40–72, 141–148.]
2. See judicial officer (3) under OFFICER.
referee in bankruptcy. A federal judicial officer who administers bankruptcy proceedings. • Abolished by the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, these referees were replaced by bankruptcy judges.
— Also termed register in bankruptcy. See bankruptcy judge under JUDGE. [Cases: Bankruptcy 2123. C.J.S. Bankruptcy § 7.]
