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.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI