Knavery

Knavery refers to deceitful or dishonest behavior, actions, or tricks. It encompasses cunning, craftiness, and a willingness to engage in unethical or underhanded practices to achieve a personal gain or advantage. Knavery often involves manipulation, deception, and a disregard for moral principles or fair play. The term suggests a shrewd and often malicious intent to exploit or mislead others, and it is typically viewed with disapproval and moral condemnation.

Knavery meaning with examples

• The detective suspected Knavery when the witness's story changed dramatically. He knew that someone was trying to conceal the truth through clever deception. The investigation delved into the world of manipulation, seeking to expose the specific instances of trickery that had obscured the facts and led the investigator to suspect the truth.
• Shakespeare's plays are full of characters whose Knavery brings dramatic tension to the plot. Iago, for instance, uses deceit and manipulation to orchestrate the downfall of Othello. The elaborate plans and cunning schemes illustrate the destructive consequences of prioritizing self-interest over loyalty, creating a classic case study in literary knavery.
• The politician's campaign was plagued by accusations of Knavery after it emerged that he had been accepting illegal donations to his coffers. The scandal exposed a pattern of deceit and corruption, shaking public trust and putting an end to his career. Investigation of the politician would ultimately lead to his undoing through his dishonest schemes.
• Despite her outward charm, the art dealer's reputation for Knavery made collectors hesitant to trust her judgment, and made the artists in her gallery uneasy. Rumors of forged artwork and hidden fees followed her and soured potential business dealings. The fear of the artist caused her to be shunned by those who appreciated her artistic sensibilities.