'Knave child' definitions:

Definition of 'Knave child'

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]