kɑ:v v. 1 tr.
produce or
shape (a
statue,
representation in
relief, etc.) by
cutting into a
hard material (carved a
figure out of rock; carved it in wood). 2 tr. a
cut patterns, designs, letters, etc. in (hard material). b (foll. by into)
form a
pattern,
design,
etc.,
from (carved it into a bust). c (foll. by with)
cover or
decorate (material)
with figures or designs cut in
it. 3 tr. (absol.) cut (meat etc.) into slices
for eating. øcarve out 1
take from a larger
whole. 2
establish (a
career etc.) purposefully (carved out a
name for themselves). carve up
divide into
several pieces;
subdivide (territory etc.). carve-up n. sl. a sharing-out,
esp. of spoils.
carving knife a knife with a long
blade, for carving
meat. [OE ceorfan cut f. WG]