knave Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
    varlet; rascal; rapscallion; scallywag; rogue; scalawag.
  2. noun one of four face cards in a deck bearing a picture of a young prince
    jack.

WordNet

Knave noun
Etymology
OE., boy, servant, knave, AS. cnafa boy, youth; cf. AS. cnapa boy, youth, D. knap, G. knabe boy, knappe esquire, Icel. knapi, Sw. knape esquire, knäfvel knave.
Definitions
  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.
    ✍ "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. Chaucer. Syn. -- Villain; cheat; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; miscreant.

Webster 1913