In contracts. An agreement to submit to arbitration; the act of parties in submitting their controversy to chosen referees or arbitrators. In practice. The act of sending a cause pending in court to a referee for his exami- nation and decision. See REFER. In commercial law. The act of sending or directing one person to another, for in formation or advice as to the character, solvency. standing, etc., of a third person, who desires to open business relations with the first, or to obtain credit with him.