Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Culprit \Cul"prit\ (k[u^]l"pr?t), n. [Prob. corrupted for
   culpate, fr. Law Latin culpatus the accused, p. p. of L.
   culpare to blame. See {Culpable}.]
   1. One accused of, or arraigned for, a crime, as before a
      judge.

            An author is in the condition of a culprit; the
            public are his judges.                --Prior.

   2. One quilty of a fault; a criminal.

Source : WordNet®

culprit
     n : someone who perpetrates wrongdoing [syn: {perpetrator}]