Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Criticism
Crit′i-cism
(kr?t′?-s?z’m)
, Noun.
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 of
criticism
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Criticism
CRITICISM
,Noun.
1.
The art of judging with propriety of the beauties and faults of a literary performance, or of any production in the fine arts; as the rules of criticism.2.
The act of judging on the merit of a performance; animadversion; remark on beauties and faults; critical observation, verbal or written. We say, the authors criticisms are candid, or they are severe.