knave (n.)

Zeno first started that doctrine that knavery is the best defence against a knave.

Plutarch (46(?)-120(?) a d): Of Bashfulness.

Ham. There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark

But he's an arrant knave.

Hor. There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave

To tell us this.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act i. Sc. 5.

How absolute the knave is! we must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act v. Sc. 1.

Now will I show myself to have more of the serpent than the dove; that is, more knave than fool.

Christopher Marlowe (1565-1593): The Jew of Malta. Act ii.

More knave than fool.

Miguel De Cervantes (1547-1616): Don Quixote. Part i. Book iv. Chap. iv.

A rascally yea-forsooth knave.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry IV. Part II. Act i. Sc. 2.

Dogb. Why, then, take no note of him, but let him go; and presently call the rest of the watch together, and thank God you are rid of a knave.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Much Ado about Nothing. Act iii. Sc. 3.

Titles are marks of honest men, and wise;

The fool or knave that wears a title lies.

Edward Young (1684-1765): Love of Fame. Satire i. Line 145.

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