or cognisance 'kɒ(g)nɪz(ə)ns
■ noun
1》 formal knowledge or awareness.
↘ Law the action of taking judicial notice.
2》 Heraldry a distinctive device or mark, especially as formerly worn by retainers of a noble house.
Phrases
take ~ of formal attend to; take account of.
Derivatives
cognizant adjective
cognize or cognise verb
Origin
ME conisance , from OFr. conoisance , based on L. cognoscere 'get to know'.