1. (n.) 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.
2. (n.) One who passes a rigorous or captious judgment; one who censures or finds fault; a harsh examiner or judge; a caviler; a carper.
3. (n.) The art of criticism.
4. (n.) An act of criticism; a critique.
5. (a.) of or pertaining to critics or criticism; critical.