adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a knavish manner; villainously, dishonorably, dishonestly, fraudulently; roguishly, trickily.
1481. Caxton, Reynard (Arb.), 94. Alas there rauysshyd he and forcyd my wyf so knauisshly that I am ashamed to telle it.
1552. Huloet, Knauishly, proterue, proteruiter.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 423. One of those slaves … had behaved himselfe somewhat too insolently and knavishly against him.
c. 1720. Prior, Viceroy, 95. That he did likewise traitorously … Enrich himself most knavishly.
1825. McCulloch, Pol. Econ. II. ii. 84. As it has been sometimes ignorantly or knavishly represented.
