/kog"neuh zeuhns, kon"euh-/ , n.
1. awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception: The guests took cognizance of the snide remark.
2. Law.
a. judicial notice as taken by a court in dealing with a cause.
b. the right of taking jurisdiction, as possessed by a court.
c. acknowledgment; admission, as a plea admitting the fact alleged in the declaration.
3. the range or scope of knowledge, observation, etc.: Such understanding is beyond his cognizance.
4. Heraldry. a device by which a person or a person's servants or property can be recognized; badge.
[ 1250-1300; ME conisa ( u ) nce con ( o ) is ( s ) ance, equiv. to conois ( tre ) to know ( cognoscere; see COGNITION) + -ance -ANCE; forms with -g- ( ]
Syn. 1. note, heed, attention, regard, scrutiny.