KNAVES
Noun
knaves
plural of knave
Anagrams
• Vaneks
Source: Wiktionary
KNAVE
Knave, n. Etym: [OE., boy, servant, knave, AS. cnafa boy, youth; cf.
AS. cnapa boy, youth, D. kna, 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.
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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition