to cut (e.g. wood or stone) so as to shape it
to produce (a statue, design, etc) by cutting
He carved his initials in the soft sandstone
(often + out) to make or acquire (a career, reputation, etc) through one's own efforts
She carved out a place for herself in the firm
to cut (food, esp meat) into pieces or slices
to cut up and serve meat
to work as a sculptor or engraver
carving noun
[Old English ceorfan]