KNAVE

knave. Knave, n. a petty rascal, scoundrel, card, servant

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Knave (nāv), 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. 1. A boy; especially, a boy servant. Wyclif. Chaucer.
O murderous slumber, Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy That plays thee music ? Gentle knave, good night. Shak. 2. 2. Any male servant; a menial. Chaucer.
He's but Fortune's knave, A minister of her will. Shak. 3. 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. 4. A playing card marked with the figure of a servant or soldier; a jack.
Knave child, a male child. Chaucer. Syn. — Villain; cheat; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; miscreant.