An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything.
   

2. The act or art of analyzing and evaluating or judging the quality of a literary or artistic work, musical performance, art exhibit, dramatic production, etc.
   

3. A critical comment, article, or essay; → critique (Dictionary.com).

See also: → critic; → -ism.