Sculp"ture (?; 135), n. [L.
sculptura: cf. F. sculpture.] 1.
The art of carving, cutting, or hewing wood, stone, metal, etc.,
into statues, ornaments, etc., or into figures, as of men, or other
things; hence, the art of producing figures and groups, whether in
plastic or hard materials.
2. Carved work modeled of, or cut upon, wood,
stone, metal, etc.
There, too, in living sculpture, might be
seen
The mad affection of the Cretan queen.
Dryden.Sculp"ture (?; 135), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. Sculptured (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Sculpturing.] To form with the chisel on, in,
or from, wood, stone, or metal; to carve; to engrave.
Sculptured tortoise (Zoöl.), a
common North American wood tortoise (Glyptemys insculpta). The
shell is marked with strong grooving and ridges which resemble
sculptured figures.