Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CRIT'I-CAL, a. [L. criticus; Gr. κριτικος. See Critic.]

1. Relating to criticism; nicely exact; as, a critical dissertation on Homer.
2. Having the skill or power nicely to distinguish beauties from blemishes; as, a critical judge; a critical auditor; a critical ear; critical taste.
3. Making nice distinctions; accurate; as, critical rules.
4. Capable of judging with accuracy; discerning beauties and faults; nicely judicious in matters of literature and the fine arts; as Virgil was a critical poet.
5. Capable of judging with accuracy; conforming to exact rules of propriety; exact; particular; as, to be critical in rites and ceremonies, or in the selection of books.
6. Inclined to find fault, or to judge with severity.
7. [See Crisis.] Pertaining to a crisis; marking the time or state of a disease which indicates its termination in the death or recovery of the patient; as, critical days, or critical symptoms.
8. Producing a crisis or change in a disease; indicating a crisis; as, a critical sweat.
9. Decisive; noting a time or state on which the issue of things depends; important, as regards the consequences; as, a critical time or moment; a critical juncture.
10. Formed or situated to determine or decide, or having the crisis at command; important or essential for determining; as, a critical post. – Mitford.
11. Respecting criticism.