Part 527

Drayton.

Knap"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) The black centaury (Centaurea nigra); -- so called from the knoblike heads of flowers. Called also bullweed.

Knar (när), n. See Gnar. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Knarl (närl), n. A knot in wood. See Gnarl.

Knarled (närld), a. Knotted. See Gnarled.

Knarred (närd), a. Knotty; gnarled.

The knarred and crooked cedar knees.

Longfellow.

Knar"ry (när"r), a. Knotty; gnarled. Chaucer.

Knave (nv), 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, knäfvel 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.

"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.

Knav"er*y (?), n.; pl. Knaveries (&?;). 1. The practices of a knave; petty villainy; fraud; trickery; a knavish action.

This is flat knavery, to take upon you another man's name.

Shak.

2. pl. Roguish or mischievous tricks. Shak.

Knave"ship, n. A small due, in meal, established by usage, which is paid to the under miller. [Scot.]

Knav"ess (?), n. A knavish woman. Carlyle.