knavish

[ ney-vish ]

/ ˈneɪ vɪʃ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR knavish ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

like or befitting a knave; untrustworthy; dishonest.

Archaic. waggish; roguish; mischievous.

Origin of knavish

First recorded in 1350–1400, knavish is from the Middle English word knavyssh.See knave, -ish¹

OTHER WORDS FROM knavish

knav·ish·ly, adverbknav·ish·ness, noun

Words nearby knavish

knapweed, knar, knarly, knave, knavery, knavish, knawel, knead, kneaded butter, Knebworth House, knee

Example sentences from the Web for knavish

To lay duties on a commodity exported, which our neighbors want, is a knavish attempt to get something for nothing.
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Volume 3|Various
The Bee seemed utterly distraught at losing her bearings under the influence of my knavish tricks.
The Mason-bees|J. Henri Fabre
The context shews that it was considered a 'knavish' word at this period.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 (of 7) -- Notes to the Canterbury Tales|Geoffrey Chaucer
Stephen had a considerable share of cunning, a sort of knavish sagacity and ready impertinence, peculiar to most of his kind.
Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 (of 2)|John Roby

This dangerous indulgence did not fail to become known to the knavish class, who made profitable use of the opportunity.
The Life of Sir Rowland Hill, Vol. II (of 2)|Rowland Hill