- Critic
- Critic Crit"ic (kr[i^]t"[i^]k), n. [L. criticus, Gr.
kritiko`s, a critic; prop., an adj. meaning able to discuss,
from kri`nein to judge, discern. See {Certain}, and cf.
{Critique}.]
1. One skilled in judging of the merits of literary or
artistic works; a connoisseur; an adept; hence, one who
examines literary or artistic works, etc., and passes
judgment upon them; a reviewer.
[1913 Webster]
The opininon of the most skillful critics was, that nothing finer [than Goldsmith's ``Traveler''] had appeared in verse since the fourth book of the ``Dunciad.'' --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
2. One who passes a rigorous or captious judgment; one who censures or finds fault; a harsh examiner or judge; a caviler; a carper. [1913 Webster]
When an author has many beauties consistent with virtue, piety, and truth, let not little critics exalt themselves, and shower down their ill nature. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster]
You know who the critics are? the men who have failed in literature and art. --Beaconsfield. [1913 Webster]
3. The art of criticism. [Obs.] --Locke. [1913 Webster]
4. An act of criticism; a critique. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
And make each day a critic on the last. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
