- Knowledge
- Knowledge 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. l[=a]c, Goth. laiks dance. See {Know}, and
cf. {Lake}, v. i., {Lark} a frolic.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact,
truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance;
cognition.
[1913 Webster]
Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
2. That which is or may be known; the object of an act of knowing; a cognition; -- chiefly used in the plural. [1913 Webster]
There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges. --H. Spencer. [1913 Webster]
3. That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition. [1913 Webster]
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. --1 Cor. viii. 1. [1913 Webster]
Ignorance is the curse of God; Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life. [1913 Webster]
Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea. --1 Kings ix. 27. [1913 Webster]
5. Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge. [1913 Webster]
Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me? --Ruth ii. 10. [1913 Webster]
6. Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by carnal; same as {carnal knowledge}.
Syn: See {Wisdom}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.