I. ˈnāv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English (also, boy), from Old English cnafa boy, male servant; akin to Old High German knabo boy, Old High German knebil piece of wood used in fastenings, Old Norse knefill stick, pole, and probably to Old English cnotta knot — more at knot
1. archaic
a. : a serving boy
b. : a male servant or menial
c. : a man of humble birth or position
2. : a tricky deceitful fellow : an unscrupulous person : rogue , rascal
3. : jack 1 c (1)
Synonyms: see villain
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to give the name of knave to
2. obsolete : to make a knave of (as oneself)
intransitive verb
archaic : to behave knavishly