knave

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. [ 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 ]

☞ “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 ]