Crit″ic (krĭt″ĭk), n. [L. criticus, Gr. κριτικόσ, a critic; prop., an adj. meaning able to discuss, from κρίνειν 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.
The opininon of the most skillful critics was, that nothing finer had appeared in verse since the fourth book of the “Dunciad.”
Macaulay.
2. One who passes a rigorous or captious judgment; one who censures or finds fault; a harsh examiner or judge; a caviler; a carper.
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.
You know who the critics are? the men who have failed in literature and art.
Beaconsfield.
3. The art of criticism. Locke.
4. An act of criticism; a critique.
And make each day a critic on the last.
Pope.