01 n. One skilled in judging of the merits of literary or artistic works; a connoisseur; an adept; hence, one who examines literary or artistic w…
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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 [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.“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.
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3.
The art of criticism.[Obs.]
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4.
An act of criticism; a critique.[Obs.]“And make each day a critic on the last.” — Pope.