Knave (nāv),
n. [OE., boy, servant, knave, AS. cnafa boy, youth; cf. AS. cnapa boy, youth, D.
knaap, G. knabe boy,
knappe esquire, Icel. knapi, Sw.
knape esquire, knäfvel knave.]
1. A
boy; especially, a boy servant. [Obs.] Wyclif. Chaucer.
O murderous slumber,
Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy
That plays thee music ? Gentle knave, good night.
Shak.
2. Any male servant; a menial. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
He's but Fortune's knave,
A minister of her will.
Shak. 3. A tricky, deceitful fellow; a dishonest person; a rogue; a villain. "A pair of crafty knaves." Shak.
In defiance of demonstration,
knaves will continue
to proselyte
fools.
Ames. &fist; "How many serving lads must have been unfaithful and dishonest before knave -which meant at first no more
than boy -- acquired the meaning which it has
now !" Trench.
4. A playing card marked with the figure of
a servant or soldier; a
jack.
Knave child, a male child. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
Syn. -- Villain; cheat; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; miscreant.
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