— carver , n.
/kahrv/ , v. , carved, carving .
v.t.
1. to cut (a solid material) so as to form something: to carve a piece of pine.
2. to form from a solid material by cutting: to carve a statue out of stone.
3. to cut into slices or pieces, as a roast of meat.
4. to decorate with designs or figures cut on the surface: The top of the box was beautifully carved with figures of lions and unicorns.
5. to cut (a design, figures, etc.) on a surface: Figures of lions and unicorns were carved on the top of the box.
6. to make or create for oneself (often fol. by out ): He carved out a career in business.
v.i.
7. to carve figures, designs, etc.
8. to cut meat.
[ bef. 1000; ME kerven, OE ceorfan to cut; c. MLG kerven, G kerben, Gk gráphein to mark, write; see GRAPH ]