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.-one who passes a rigorous or captious judgment; one who censures or finds fault; a harsh examiner or judge; a caviler; a carper.-the art of criticism.-an act of criticism; a critique.-of or pertaining to critics or criticism; critical.-to criticise; to play the critic.