criticism

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

By criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant a standard of judging well. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed; a critical observation or detailed examination and review; a critique; animadversion; censure. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]