Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Knowledge?

\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. l[=a]c, 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.