Knowl"edge , v. t. To acknowledge. [Obs.]
"Sinners which knowledge their sins." Tyndale.
Knowl"edge (?), n. [OE.
knowlage, knowlege, knowleche, knawleche. The last part
is the Icel. suffix -leikr, forming
abstract nouns, orig. the same as Icel. leikr game, play, sport, akin to AS. lāc, Goth. laiks dance. See Know, and cf. Lake, v. i., Lark a frolic.]
1. The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension;
familiar cognizance;
cognition.
Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the
speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of
affirmative or negative propositions.
Locke. 2. That which is or may be known;
the object of an act of knowing; a
cognition; -- chiefly
used in the plural.
There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the
most abstracted of knowledges.
Bacon. Knowledges is a term in frequent use by Bacon,
and, though now obsolete, should be revived, as without it
we are compelled to borrow "cognitions" to express its import.
Sir W. Hamilton.
To use a word of Bacon's, now
unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of
knowledges.
H. Spencer. 3. That which is
gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship;
erudition.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity
edifieth.
1 Cor. viii. 1.
Ignorance is
the curse of God;
Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.
Shak.
4. That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life.
Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea.
1 Kings ix.
27. 5. Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge.
Why have I found grace
in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me?
Ruth ii. 10. 6. Sexual intercourse; --
usually preceded by carnal; as, carnal knowledge.
Syn. -- See Wisdom.
Hear it pronounced