Main Entry:

cog·ni·zance

Pronunciation:

\ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English conisaunce, from Anglo-French conissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cognoscere

Date:

14th century

1: a distinguishing mark or emblem (as a heraldic bearing)2 a: knowledge, awareness <had no cognizance of the situation> b: notice, acknowledgment <take cognizance of their achievement>3: jurisdiction, responsibility