\Knave\, n. [OE., boy, servant, knave, AS. cnafa boy,
youth; cf. AS. cnapa boy, youth, D. kna?p, G. knabe boy,
knappe esquire, Icel. knapi, Sw. knape esquire, kn["a]fvel
knave.]
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.
Note: ``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.
{Knave child}, a male child. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Syn: Villain; cheat; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; miscreant.