a. [f. KNOWLEDGE sb. and v. + -ABLE.]
† 1. [from the verb] Capable of being perceived or recognized; recognizable; noticeable. Obs.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1658), 575. Let him but set up a stick or staffe, or some such other knowledgable mark, in the middle space betwixt him and the Wolf, and it will scare him away.
1619. T. Milles, trans. Mexia’s, etc., Treas. Anc. & Mod. T., II. 49/2. The very simplest and most vulgar manner of their diuining (saith he) was, by taking a branch cut off from a fruite tree, which they would cut into diuers peeces, with certaine very knowledgable markes made vpon them.
2. [from the sb.] Possessing or showing knowledge or mental capacity; well-informed; intelligent. colloq. (orig. dial.).
1831. S. Lover, Leg. Irel., 45. ‘A gintleman like you, that ought to be knowledgable.’
1854. Mrs. Gaskell, North & S., xxviii. ‘If yo, sir, or any other knowledgable patient man … says he’ll larn me what the words mean … why, in time I may get to see the truth of it.’
1859. W. H. Gregory, Egypt, II. 17. A very intelligent, knowledgeable man, thoroughly understanding the business and the machinery.
1897. Spectator, 18 Sept., 367. Inquiries … conducted in a careful, a reasonable, and a knowledgeable spirit.
Hence Knowledgeableness; Knowledgeably adv.
1865. Pall Mall Gaz., 21 Aug., 3/1. Many’s the lady they’ve beguiled—there is fifty-six sorts of Patience as can be played with ’em [cards] on a tea-tray placed knowledgeably on the bed.
1886. Illustr. Lond. News, 6 March, 232/3. Feelings of sympathy and good-fellowship, which almost took the place of ‘knowledgeableness’ in art matters.
