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