Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Old English cnīf, from Old Norse knífr, from Proto-Germanic *knībaz.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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knyf (plural knyves or knyfes)

  1. A knife as a tool or instrument; the following special senses exist:
    1. A knife used in surgery.
    2. A kitchen knife.
  2. A knife or dagger (weapon)

Usage notes

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In Middle English, if a vowel, especially i or y, was followed by a consonant, the consonant being itself followed by a silent e, the vowel would still be long if the e was omitted, so it was sometimes omitted.

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Descendants

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  • English: knife
  • Scots: knyfe, knife
  • Yola: kunnife
  • French: canif

References

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