cul·prit I. \ˈkəlprə̇t also -ˌprit; usu -d.+V\noun (-s) Etymology: Anglo-French cul. (abbreviation of culpable guilty) + prit, prist, prest ready (i.e., to prove it), from Latin praestus — more at presto 1. a.: one accused of or arraigned for a crime b.: one accused of a fault 2. a.: one guilty of a crime b.: one guilty of a fault Synonyms:see criminal II. noun : the source or cause of a problem