Knowledge
Knowledge , noun
[Old English knowlage, knowlege, knowleche, knawleche. The last part is the Icelandic suffix -leikr, forming abstract nouns, orig. the same as Icelandic leikr game, play, sport, akin to Anglo-Saxon lāc, Gothic laiks dance. See Know, and compare 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.
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.
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.
To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges.
3.
That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ignorance is the curse of God;
Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.
4.
That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life.
Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea.
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?
6.
Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by carnal; same as carnal knowledge.
Knowledge , transitive verb
To acknowledge. [Obsolete]
Sinners which knowledge their sins.