The arts of engraving and carving were much practised among the Jews. They were practised in connection with the construction of the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 31:2, 5; 35:33; 1 Kings 6:18, 35; Psalm 74:6), as well as in the ornamentation of the priestly dresses (Exodus 28:9-36; Zechariah 3:9; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 14). Isaiah (44:13-17) gives a minute description of the process of carving idols of wood.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To cut.

2. (v. t.) To cut, as wood, stone, or other material, in an artistic or decorative manner; to sculpture; to engrave.

3. (v. t.) To make or shape by cutting, sculpturing, or engraving; to form; as, to carve a name on a tree.

4. (v. t.) To cut into small pieces or slices, as meat at table; to divide for distribution or apportionment; to apportion.

5. (v. t.) To cut: to hew; to mark as if by cutting.

6. (v. t.) To take or make, as by cutting; to provide.

7. (v. t.) To lay out; to contrive; to design; to plan.

8. (v. i.) To exercise the trade of a sculptor or carver; to engrave or cut figures.

9. (v. i.) To cut up meat; as, to carve for all the guests.

10. (n.) A carucate.