Knave \Knave\, n. [OE., boy, servant, knave, AS. cnafa boy, youth; cf. AS. cnapa boy, youth, D. kna?p, G. knabe boy, knappe esquire, Icel. knapi, Sw. knape esquire, kn["a]fvel 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.

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.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)