criticismn.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 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.)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.)