English Explanatory Dictionary

cognizance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An emblem, badge or device, used as a distinguishing mark by the body of retainers of a royal or noble house.
  2. Notice or awareness.
  3. Jurisdiction.

Pronunciation

kŏg'nĭzəns /ˈkɒɡnɪzəns/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cognizance.wav /ˈkɑɡnɪzəns/ /ˈkɔɡnɪzəns/ kŏ'nĭzəns /ˈkɒnɪzəns/

Word forms

cognizance cognizances cognisance cognizaunce

Etymology

From Middle English conysaunce, from Old French conysance (“recognition," later, "knowledge”), from Old French conoissance (“acquaintance, recognition; knowledge, wisdom”), from conoistre (“to know”), from Latin cognōscō (“know”), from con- (“with”) + gnōscō (“know”). By surface analysis, cogniz(e) (a back-formation) + -ance.

Derived words

claircognizance cognizant cognize incognizance noncognizance precognizance
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