Knaveries is a noun that refers to dishonest or deceitful actions, tricks, or behavior. It is derived from the word "knavery," which is rooted in the Middle English word "knaverien," meaning "to cheat or deceive." The term is often used to describe cunning or fraudulent acts that are intended to deceive or manipulate others for personal gain or mischief.
Knaveries can include a wide range of deceptive practices, such as lying, cheating, swindling, or tricking others through cunning or deceit. These actions are typically carried out with the intent to exploit or take advantage of someone's trust, often for personal gain or amusement. Knaveries can manifest in various contexts, including personal relationships, business dealings, or even in larger societal or political situations.
The term implies an element of slyness, as knaveries are often executed with skill and cunning to deceive or manipulate others. It suggests a deliberate intention to deceive or act dishonestly. However, it is important to note that the term can also have a playful connotation, especially when used in a lighthearted context or to describe mischievous pranks or tricks that are not intended to cause significant harm or damage.
In summary, knaveries refer to dishonest or deceitful actions, tricks, or behavior executed with cunning or deceitful intent to exploit or deceive others for personal gain or amusement.
The word "knaveries" is derived from the Middle English term "knaverie" which originated from the Old French word "cunnarie". The Old French term was derived from "cunette" which means "dishonesty" or "trickery". Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Latin word "cano", which means "to cheat".