Meaning & Definition of word "Knave"
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Knave
/neɪv/
noun:
- 1. A dishonest or deceitful man.
- Example: The knave tricked the villagers into giving him their money.
- 2. A male servant or attendant; a man of low status.
- Example: In the old castle, the knave attended to the lord's needs.
- 3. A card in a deck, specifically the jack.
- Example: He played the knave, hoping to win the trick with a lower card.
Etymology
Middle English 'knave', meaning 'boy, servant; later, dishonest person', from Old Norse 'knapi', meaning 'boy, lad'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
knave's game:
A dishonest or deceitful pursuit.
knave in the hole:
A situation where someone is secretly undermining or cheating.
knave at heart:
Someone who may appear honest but is deceitful.
Related Words
rascal:
A mischievous or cheeky person, often in an endearing way.
villain:
A character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot.
Slang Meanings of knave
Meaning: A trickster or swindler.
Example Sentence: He's such a knave, always trying to pull a fast one on his friends.
Meaning: An unreliable person.
Example Sentence: You can't trust him; he's a total knave.