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.
