Definition of cognizance
- n. - Apprehension by the understanding; perception;
observation.
- n. - Recollection; recognition.
- n. - Jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and
decide controversies.
- n. - The hearing a matter judicially.
- n. - An acknowledgment of a fine of lands and tenements or
confession of a thing done.
- n. - A form of defense in the action of replevin, by which
the defendant insists that the goods were lawfully taken, as a
distress, by defendant, acting as servant for another.
- n. - The distinguishing mark worn by an armed knight,
usually upon the helmet, and by his retainers and followers: Hence, in
general, a badge worn by a retainer or dependent, to indicate the
person or party to which he belonged; a token by which a thing may be
known.