Knave/neɪv/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation The word 'knave' often suggests the person has bad intentions or is harmful. Watch your purse around that knave; he’s known for thievery. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage 'Knave' was used more commonly in older texts, so you'll see it more in classical literature. Shakespeare often wrote about knaves and their trickery. Pro Tip 3/3Literary Device Authors may use 'knave' to quickly establish a character's deceptive nature. In the novel, the knave's sly smile told us not to trust him.