"Knavishnesses" is not a recognized word in standard English usage. It does not have an entry in reputable dictionaries, and its construction does not follow the accepted rules of word formation. However, it appears that "knavishnesses" could be an irregular plural form of the word "knavishness."
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term "knavishness" refers to the quality or state of being knavish. "Knavish," in turn, describes someone who is dishonest, deceitful, or untrustworthy, often with a mischievous or roguish undertone. A knavish person is typically inclined to engage in cunning or deceitful behavior for personal gain, often at the expense of others.
To illustrate the term further, knavishness embodies characteristics such as trickery, deceit, artifice, or manipulation. It denotes the actions and intents of individuals who engage in sly, dishonest, or unreliable behavior, showing little moral or ethical integrity. However, it is crucial to note that "knavishnesses" might not be widely recognized or understood by English speakers and is likely a non-standard linguistic variant.
The word knavishnesses is derived from the root word knavish, which comes from the Middle English word knavisch, ultimately rooted in the Old English word cnafa meaning boy, servant. It later evolved to knave, referring to a male servant or a dishonest person. The suffix -ness is added to form the noun knavishness, meaning the quality or state of being knavish. Finally, the plural form is created by adding the plural suffix -es to knavishness, resulting in knavishnesses.