- Knave child
- Knave Knave (n[=a]v), 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, kn["a]fvel
knave.]
1. A boy; especially, a boy servant. [Obs.] --Wyclif.
Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
O murderous slumber, Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy That plays thee music ? Gentle knave, good night. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. Any male servant; a menial. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
He's but Fortune's knave, A minister of her will. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. A tricky, deceitful fellow; a dishonest person; a rogue; a villain. ``A pair of crafty knaves.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]
In defiance of demonstration, knaves will continue to proselyte fools. --Ames. [1913 Webster]
Note: ``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. [1913 Webster]
4. A playing card marked with the figure of a servant or soldier; a jack; as, the knave of hearts. [1913 Webster]
{Knave child}, a male child. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Syn: Villain; cheat; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; miscreant. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.