Obs. Also in 7 -icke, 7–8 -ick, 8–9 CRITIQUE q.v. [app. ad. F. critique fem. (used in this sense by Molière and Boileau), ultimately ad. Gr. ἡ κριτική the critical art, criticism (cf. It. critica ‘arte of cutting of stones,’ Florio 1598). Early in the 18th c. this began to be spelt as in Fr. critique, a spelling which in spite of Johnson and the Dictionaries, has become universal; in the 19th c. it has received a quasi-French pronunciation also: see CRITIQUE, chiefly used in sense 2, while sense 1 is now expressed by CRITICISM.]
1. The art or action of criticizing; criticism; an instance of this. Also in pl. (cf. metaphysics.)
1656. Artif. Handsomeness (1662), 216. A Satyrical Critick upon the very Scriptures.
1657. Hobbes, Stigmas, Wks. 1845, VII. 389. Grammar and Criticks.
1676. Etheredge, Man of Mode, III. iii. Wee’l make a Critick on the whole Mail Madam.
1690. J. Locke, Hum. Und., IV. xx. They would afford us another sort of Logick and Critick.
1697. Bentley, Phal., 69. I do not expect from our Editors much sagacity in way of Critic.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 45, ¶ 4. That Sort of Drama is not … thought unworthy the Critick of learned Heads.
1755–73. Johnson, Cri’tick, Science of Criticism [Todd 1818, alters to Critique].
2. An essay in criticism of a literary work, etc.; a critical notice or review; now CRITIQUE.
1709. Pope, Ess. Crit., 571. Own your errors past, And make each day a critick on the last.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 115, ¶ 1. I shall not fail to write a Critick upon his Performance.
1755–73. Johnson, Cri’tick, a critical examination; critical remarks [Todd 1818 alters to Critique].
1766. Eliz. Griffith, Lett. Henry & Frances, III. 4. I shewed your Critic upon the Series, to the Bishop of ———.
