knavish Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite marked by skill in deception
    tricky; wily; sly; slick; foxy; guileful; tricksy; dodgy; crafty; cunning.
    • cunning men often pass for wise
    • deep political machinations
    • a foxy scheme
    • a slick evasive answer
    • sly as a fox
    • tricky Dick
    • a wily old attorney

WordNet

Knav"ish adjective
Definitions
  1. Like or characteristic of a knave; given to knavery; trickish; fraudulent; dishonest; villainous; as, a knavish fellow, or a knavish trick. "Knavish politicians." Macaulay.
  2. Mischievous; roguish; waggish.
    Cupid is knavish lad, Thus to make poor females mad. Shak.

Webster 1913