knave child

1 definition found

knave child - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

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