criminal

a. [ L. criminalis, fr. crimen: cf. F. criminel. See Crime. ] 1. Guilty of crime or sin. [ 1913 Webster ]

The neglect of any of the relative duties renders us criminal in the sight of God. Rogers. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Involving a crime; of the nature of a crime; -- said of an act or of conduct; as, criminal carelessness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Foppish and fantastic ornaments are only indications of vice, not criminal in themselves. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Relating to crime; -- opposed to civil; as, the criminal code. [ 1913 Webster ]

The officers and servants of the crown, violating the personal liberty, or other right of the subject . . . were in some cases liable to criminal process. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

Criminal action (Law), an action or suit instituted to secure conviction and punishment for a crime. --
Criminal conversation (Law), unlawful intercourse with a married woman; adultery; -- usually abbreviated, crim. con. --
Criminal law, the law which relates to crimes. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who has commited a crime; especially, one who is found guilty by verdict, confession, or proof; a malefactor; a felon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One versed in criminal law. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. criminalitas, fr. L. criminalis. See Criminal. ] The quality or state of being criminal; that which constitutes a crime; guiltiness; guilt. [ 1913 Webster ]

This is by no means the only criterion of criminality. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. to declare (an act) to be illegal.
Syn. -- outlaw, illegalize, ban. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adv. In violation of law; wickedly. [ 1913 Webster ]