Criteria - A Dictionary Definition.

Dictionary definition of the word Criteria.

A standard or criticism.
A rule or principle for evaluating or testing something.
Means for judging, standard, from krites "judge,"
A standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision can be based.
 
Bench mark A standard or touchstone against which to measure; a criterion or test.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating A proverbial admonition against passing judgment on something without first examining the evidence or facts; often shortened to the proof of the pudding. Another popular proverb conveying basically the same message is the imperative don’t judge a book by its cover.