Crit'ic-al, a.
a. [See CRITIC, n.] 1. Having the skill or power to judge with accuracy of literary or artistic matters and merits. It is submitted to the judgment of more critical ears to direct and determine what is graceful and what is not. Holder. 2. Inclined to make nice distinctions, or to exercise careful judgment and selection; not easily satisfied; exact; nicely judicious. Virgil was so critical in the rites of religion, that he would never have brought in such prayers as these, if they had not been agreeable to the Roman customs. Stillingfleet. 3. Inclined to find fault; severe in judging; fastidious; captious. O gentle lady, put me not to't, For I am nothing if not critical. Shak.
- Relating to criticism; occupied with the discussion and estimate of authors; belonging to the art of a critic; as, a critical dissertation on Homer.
- Characterized by thoroughness and a reference to principles, as becomes a critic; as, a critical analysis of a subject.
- [See CRISIS.] Pertaining to, or indicating, a crisis, turning-point, or specially important juncture; important as regards consequences; decisive; hence, of doubtful issue; attended with risk; dangerous; as, the critical days of a fever.
It was an extremely embarrassing measure for the pope, in the critical circumstances of that age, to set aside a dispensation granted by his predecessor. Hallam.