Definition Definition

cognizance - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'cognizance' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Cognizance [ n.]
- Apprehension by the understanding; perception; observation.
- Recollection; recognition.
- Jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and decide controversies.
- The hearing a matter judicially.
- An acknowledgment of a fine of lands and tenements or confession of a thing done.
- 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.
- 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.

Meaning of 'cognizance' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . cognizance [ n]
Meaning (1):
- range of what one can know or understand
Example in sentence:
  • beyond my ken
Meaning (2):
- having knowledge of
Example in sentence:
  • he had no awareness of his mistakes;
  • his sudden consciousness of the problem he faced;
  • their intelligence and general knowingness was impressive