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. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition. [ 1913 Webster ] Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. That which is or may be known; the object of an act of knowing; a cognition; -- chiefly used in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ] There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges. H. Spencer. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition. [ 1913 Webster ] Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 1 Cor. viii. 1. [ 1913 Webster ] Ignorance is the curse of God;
Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life. [ 1913 Webster ] Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea. 1 Kings ix. 27. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge. [ 1913 Webster ] Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me? Ruth ii. 10. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by carnal; same as carnal knowledge. Syn. -- See Wisdom. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
