Cärve1, v. t.
[imp. & p. p. CARVED; p. pr. & vb. n. CARVING.] [A-S. ceorfan, Dan. karve, Sw. karfva, D. kerven, Ger. kerben.]
Sense 1. To cut, as wood, stone, or other material, in an artistic or decorative manner.
Sense 2. To make or shape by cutting. “An angel carved in stone.” Tennyson.
Sense 3. To cut into small pieces or slices; to divide. “To carve a capon.” Shak.
Sense 4. To select and take as to one’s self, or to select and give to another; to distribute or apportion. “Who could easily have carved themselves their own food.” South.
To carve out, to cut out, or to lay out, by design; to plan. The Saxons carved out their kingdoms with the sword. Southey.