A participle is a lexical item, derived from a verb that has some of the characteristics and functions of both verbs and adjectives. In English, participles may be used as adjectives, and in non-finite forms of verbs. (http://www.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsAParticiple.htm 19.09.06) Non-finite form of a verb other than the infinitive that is used in many languages possibly in conjunction with an auxiliary and that functions attributively, predicatively or adverbially. (http://www.isocat.org/datcat/DC-1341)