Knōw1, v. t.
(nō), v. t. [imp. KNEW; p. p. KNOWN; p. pr. & vb. n. KNOWING.] [A-S. cnāwan, O. H. Ger. chnāhan, to know; Icel. knā, to be able, allied to Lat. gnoscere, noscere, Gr. γιγνώσκω, Lith. žinóti, Slav. znati, Skr. jñā. Cf. KEN and CAN.]
Sense 1. To be aware of as true or actual; to have mental cognition of; to perceive or apprehend clearly; to be convinced of the truth of; to have information of; to be assured of.
O that a man might know The end of this day's business ere it come! Shak.
There is a certainty in the proposition, and we know it. Dryden.
Sense 2. To be acquainted with; to be no stranger to; to be more or less familiar with the person, character, &c., of; to possess experience of.
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin. 2 Cor. v. 21.
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown. Milton.
Sense 3. To recognize; to distinguish.
At nearer view he thought he knew the dead, And called the wretched man to mind. Flatman.
Sense 4. To take approving or friendly cognizance of; to acknowledge; to countenance; to approve.
The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous. Ps. i. 6.
Sense 5. To have sexual commerce with.
To know how to, to understand the manner of; to have sufficient wisdom, instruction, or information for; to be wise or enlightened enough to. How is sometimes omitted. “If we fear to die, we know not to be patient.” Bp. Taylor.