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