Cognizance \Cog"ni*zance\ (? or ?; 277), 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.
      
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            Within the cognizance and lying under the control of
            their divine Governor.                --Bp. Hurd
      
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   2. Recollection; recognition.
      
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            Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance,
            Eftsoones of him had perfect cognizance. --Spenser.
      
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   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.
          
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   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.
      
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            Wearing the liveries and cognizance of their master.
                                                  --Prescott.
      
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            This pale and angry rose,
            As cognizance of my blood-drinking hate. --Shak.
      
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