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.