Dictionary-Definition.com :: Knave definition

Definition of 'knave'

noun

A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel [syn: rogue, knave, rascal, rapscallion, scalawag, scallywag, varlet]

noun

One of four face cards in a deck bearing a picture of a young prince [syn: jack, knave]

From: GCIDE

Knave \Knave\ (n[=a]v), n. [OE., boy, servant, knave, AS. cnafa boy, youth; cf. AS. cnapa boy, youth, D. knaap, G. knabe boy, knappe esquire, Icel. knapi, Sw. knape esquire, kn[aum]fvel knave.]
1. A boy; especially, a boy servant. [Obs.] --Wyclif. Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
O murderous slumber, Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy That plays thee music ? Gentle knave, good night. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. Any male servant; a menial. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
He's but Fortune's knave, A minister of her will. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. A tricky, deceitful fellow; a dishonest person; a rogue; a villain. "A pair of crafty knaves." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
In defiance of demonstration, knaves will continue to proselyte fools. --Ames. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
4. A playing card marked with the figure of a servant or soldier; a jack; as, the knave of hearts. [1913 Webster]
Knave child, a male child. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Syn: Villain; cheat; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; miscreant. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Varlet \Var"let\, n. [OF. varlet, vaslet, vallet, servant, young man, young noble, dim. of vassal. See Vassal, and cf. Valet.] [1913 Webster]
1. A servant, especially to a knight; an attendant; a valet; a footman. [Obs.] --Spenser. Tusser. [1913 Webster]
2. Hence, a low fellow; a scoundrel; a rascal; as, an impudent varlet. [1913 Webster]
What a brazen-faced varlet art thou ! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. In a pack of playing cards, the court card now called the knave, or jack. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]