Knowing, a.
1. Skilful; well informed; intelligent; as, a knowing man; a knowing dog. The knowing and intelligent part of the world. South.
2. Artful; cunning; as, a knowing rascal. [Colloq.]
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Knowing, n.
Knowledge; hence, experience. " In my knowing." Shak. This sore night Hath trifled former knowings. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for knowing; he lists it under astute, clever.
Where he writes about it:
A knowing look, air, etc., in general indicates practical knowledge with a touch of shrewdness, and perhaps of cunning; in regard to some special matter, it indicates the possession of reserved knowledge which the person could impart if he chose. — from astute
Knowing has often a slightly invidious sense. — from astute
We speak of a knowing rascal, meaning cunning or shrewd within a narrow range, but of a knowing horse or dog, in the sense of sagacious, implying that he knows more than could be expected of such an animal. — from astute
A knowing child has more knowledge than would be looked for at his years, perhaps more than is quite desirable, while to speak of a child as intelligent is altogether complimentary. — from astute