Crim″i‐nal (kr?m″?–nal), a. [L. criminalis, fr. crimen: cf. F. criminel. See Crime.] 1. Guilty of crime or sin.
The neglect of any of the relative duties renders us criminal in the sight of God.
Rogers.
2. Involving a crime; of the nature of a crime; — said of an act or of conduct; as, criminal carelessness.
Foppish and fantastic ornaments are only indications of vice, not criminal in themselves.
Addison.
3. Relating to crime; — opposed to civil; as, the criminal code.
The officers and servants of the crown, violating the personal liberty, or other right of the subject... were in some cases liable to criminal process.
Hallam.
Criminal action(Law), an action or suit instituted to secure conviction and punishment for a crime. — Criminal conversation(Law), unlawful intercourse with a married woman; adultery; — usually abbreviated, crim. con. — Criminal law, the law which relates to crimes.