Dictionary entry

Carp

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Carp (kärp), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Carped (kärpt); p. pr. & vb. n.Carping.] [OE. carpen to say, speak; from Scand. (cf. Icel. karpa to boast), but influenced later by L. carpere to pluck, calumniate.] 1. To talk; to speak; to prattle. Chaucer.

2. To find fault; to cavil; to censure words or actions without reason or ill-naturedly; — usually followed by at.

Carping and caviling at faults of manner.

Blackw. Mag.

And at my actions carp or catch.

Herbert.