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

Syn. -- See Wisdom.
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