noun recollection; recognition.
2. cognizance ·noun the hearing a matter judicially.
3. cognizance ·noun apprehension by the understanding; perception; observation.
4. cognizance ·noun jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and decide controversies.
5. cognizance ·noun an acknowledgment of a fine of lands and tenements or confession of a thing done.
6. cognizance ·noun 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.
7. cognizance ·noun 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.