Carp , n.; pl.
Carp, formerly Carps. [Cf. Icel.
karfi, Dan. karpe, Sw. karp, OHG.
charpho, G. karpfen, F.
carpe, LL. carpa.]
(Zoöl.)
A fresh-water herbivorous fish (Cyprinus carpio.). Several other species of Cyprinus,
Catla, and Carassius are called carp. See Cruclan carp.
&fist; The carp was originally from Asia, whence it was
early introduced into Europe,
where it is
extensively reared in artificial ponds. Within
a few years it
has been introduced into America, and widely distributed by the government. Domestication has produced
several varieties, as the leather carp, which is nearly or
quite destitute of scales, and the mirror carp, which has only a few large scales. Intermediate varieties occur.
Carp louse (Zoöl.),
a small crustacean, of the genus Argulus, parasitic on carp and allied fishes. See Branchiura. -- Carp mullet (Zoöl.), a fish (Moxostoma carpio) of the Ohio River and Great Lakes, allied to the
suckers. -- Carp sucker (Zoöl.),
a name given to several species of fresh-water fishes of the genus Carpiodes in the United
States; - - called also quillback.
Carp , v. t. 1. To
say; to tell. [Obs.]
2. To find fault
with; to censure. [Obs.] Dryden.
Carp (kärp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Carped (kärpt);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Carping.]
[OE. carpen to say, speak;
from Scand. (cf. Icel. karpa to boast), but
influenced later by L. carpere to pluck, calumniate.]
1. To talk;
to speak; to
prattle. [Obs.] Chaucer.
2. To find fault; to cavil; to censure words or actions without reason or ill-naturedly; -- usually followed
by at.
Carping and caviling at faults of manner.
Blackw. Mag.
And at my actions carp or catch.
Herbert.
Hear it pronounced