cognizance

n. [ OF. conissance, conoissance, F. connaissance, LL. cognoscentia, fr. L. cognoscere to know. See Cognition, and cf. Cognoscence, Connoisseur. ] 1. Apprehension by the understanding; perception; observation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Within the cognizance and lying under the control of their divine Governor. Bp. Hurd [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Recollection; recognition. [ 1913 Webster ]

Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance,
Eftsoones of him had perfect cognizance. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) (a) Jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and decide controversies. (b) The hearing a matter judicially. (c) An acknowledgment of a fine of lands and tenements or confession of a thing done. [ Eng. ] (d) 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. [ Eng. ] Cowell. Mozley & W. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Wearing the liveries and cognizance of their master. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

This pale and angry rose,
As cognizance of my blood-drinking hate. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]