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Webster 1913 Edition

Culprit

Cul′prit

(kŭl′pr?t)
,
Noun.
[Prob. corrupted for
culpate
, fr. Law Latin
culpatus
the accused,
p.
p.
of L.
culpare
to blame. See
Culpable
.]
1.
One accused of, or arraigned for, a crime, as before a judge.
An author is in the condition of a
culprit
; the public are his judges.
Prior.
2.
One quilty of a fault; a criminal.

Webster 1828 Edition

Culprit

CULPRIT

,
Noun.
[supposed to be formed from cul, for culpable, and prit, ready; certain abbreviations used by the clerks in noting the arraignment of criminals; the prisoner is guilty, and the king is ready to prove him so.]
1.
A person arraigned in court for a crime.
2.
Any person convicted of a crime; a criminal.

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