Knowl·edge n.
1. The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition.
Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions. --Locke.
2. That which is or may be 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.
To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges. --H. Spencer.
3. That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. --1 Cor. viii. 1.
Ignorance is the curse of God;
Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. --Shak.
4. That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life.
Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea. --1 Kings ix. 27.
5. Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge.
Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me? --Ruth ii. 10.
6. Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by carnal; same as carnal knowledge.
Syn: -- See Wisdom.
Car·nal a.
1. Of or pertaining to the body or its appetites; animal; fleshly; sensual; given to sensual indulgence; lustful; human or worldly as opposed to spiritual.
For ye are yet carnal. --1 Cor. iii. 3.
Not sunk in carnal pleasure. --Milton
Carnal desires after miracles. --Trench.
2. Flesh-devouring; cruel; ravenous; bloody. [Obs.]
This carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother's body. --Shak.
Carnal knowledge, sexual intercourse; -- used especially of an unlawful act on the part of the man.
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carnal knowledge
n : the act of sexual procreation between a man and a woman; the
man's penis is inserted into the woman's vagina and
excited until orgasm and ejaculation occur [syn: sexual
intercourse, intercourse, sex act, copulation, coitus,
coition, sexual congress, congress, sexual
relation, relation]