Knowledge

(nŏl'ej, 39), n. [Eng. know and the termination ledge, O. Eng. knouledge, knowleche, knowlechen, knowleching. Cf. Icel. kunnleiki, notice, and Eng. kentledge.]

1Sense 1. The act of knowing; clear and certain perception of truth and duty; certain apprehension.

Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions. Locke.

2Sense 2. That which is 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.

3Sense 3. That which is gained and preserved by knowing; actual acquaintance gained by learning; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship.

Ignorance is the curse of God; Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. Shak.

4Sense 4. That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of seamanship.

5Sense 5. Information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge.

6Sense 6. Sexual intercourse; — usually preceded by carnal; as, carnal knowledge.

(nŏl'ej), v. t. To acknowledge; to avow. [Obs.] “Set forth in Christ for all sinners which knowledge their sins.” Tyndale.