v., carved, carv·ing, carves. v.tr.
- To divide into pieces by cutting; slice: carved a roast.
- To divide by parceling out: carve up an estate.
- To cut into a desired shape; fashion by cutting: carve the wood into a figure.
- To make or form by or as if by cutting: carve initials in the bark; carved out an empire.
- To decorate by cutting and shaping carefully.
- To engrave or cut figures as an art, hobby, or trade.
- To disjoint, slice, and serve meat or poultry.
[Middle English kerven, from Old English ceorfan.]
carver carv'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
