2. To discuss the merits or demerits of a thing or person; esp., to find fault. Cavil you may, but never criticise. Pope.
CRITICISER
Crit"i*ci`ser (-s`zr), n.
Defn: One who criticises; a critic.
CRITICISM
Crit"i*cism (krt"-sz'm), n.
1. The rules and principles which regulate the practice of the critic; the art of judging with knowledge and propriety of the beauties and faults of a literary performance, or of a production in the fine arts; as, dramatic criticism. The elements ofcriticism depend on the two principles of Beauty and Truth, one of which is the final end or object of study in every one of its pursuits: Beauty, in letters and the arts; Truth, in history and sciences. Brande & C. By criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant a standard of judging well. Dryden.
2. The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed; a critical observation or detailed examination and review; a critique; animadversion; censure. About the plan of "Rasselas" little was said by the critics; and yet the faults of the plan might seem to invite severe criticism. Macaulay.
CRITIQUE
Cri*tique" (kr-tk"), n. Etym: [F. critique, f., fr. Gr. Critic.]
1. The art of criticism. [Written also critic.] [R.]
2. A critical examination or estimate of a work of literature or art; a critical dissertation or essay; a careful and through analysis of any subject; a criticism; as, Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason." I should as soon expect to see a critique on the poesy of a ring as on the inscription of a medal. Addison.
3. A critic; one who criticises. [Obs.] A question among critiques in the ages to come. Bp. Lincoln.