Critic (kr&ibreve_;t&ibreve_;k), n. [L. criticus, Gr. kritikos, a critic; prop., an adj. meaning able to discuss, from krinein 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.
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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.
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2. One who passes a rigorous or captious judgment; one who censures or finds fault; a harsh examiner or judge; a caviler; a carper.
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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.
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You know who the critics are? the men who have failed in literature and art. Beaconsfield.
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3. The art of criticism. [Obs.] Locke.
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4. An act of criticism; a critique. [Obs.]
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And make each day a critic on the last. Pope.
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Critic, v. i. [Cf. F. critiquer.] To criticise; to play the critic. [Obs.]
Syn. -- critique.
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Nay, if you begin to critic once, we shall never have done. A. Brewer.
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