Knowl"edge (?), n. [OE.
knowlage, knowlege, knowleche, knawleche.
The last part is the Icel. suffix -leikr, forming abstract
nouns, orig. the same as Icel. leikr game, play, sport, akin
to AS. lāc, Goth. laiks dance. See Know,
and cf. Lake, v. i., Lark a
frolic.]
1. The act or state of knowing; clear
perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar
cognizance; cognition.
Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the
speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of
affirmative or negative propositions.
Locke.
2. That which is or may be known; the object
of an act of knowing; a cognition; -- chiefly used in the
plural.
There is a great difference in the delivery of the
mathematics, which are the most abstracted of
knowledges.
Bacon.
Knowledges is a term in frequent use by Bacon,
and, though now obsolete, should be revived, as without it we are
compelled to borrow "cognitions" to express its import.
Sir W. Hamilton.
To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete,
we must determine the relative value of
knowledges.
H. Spencer.
3. That which is gained and preserved by
knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning;
scholarship; erudition.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity
edifieth.
1 Cor. viii. 1.
Ignorance is the curse of God;
Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.
Shak.
4. That familiarity which is gained by actual
experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of
life.
Shipmen that had knowledge of the
sea.
1 Kings ix. 27.
5. Scope of information; cognizance; notice;
as, it has not come to my knowledge.
Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou
shouldst take knowledge of me?
Ruth ii.
10.
6. Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by
carnal; as, carnal knowledge.
Syn. -- See Wisdom.
Knowl"edge, v. t. To
acknowledge. [Obs.] "Sinners which knowledge their
sins." Tyndale.