Meaning & Definition of Knave in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A dishonest or unscrupulous person.

  Example Sentence: The knave tricked the villagers into giving him money.

• Definition: A male servant or attendant, specifically in card games (historically referring to a servant to a knight).

  Example Sentence: In the deck of cards, the knave is represented as the jack.

• Definition: A rogue or scoundrel, often used in literature and poetry.

  Example Sentence: He was considered a knave for his treachery against his friends.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'knave', meaning 'boy, servant; later, dishonest person', from Old Norse 'knapi', meaning 'boy, lad'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: canalla

• French: fripon

• German: schurke

• Russian: негодяй

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.