# cognizance

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkɒɡnɪzəns/ · frequency rank #70,572

## Definitions
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.

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cognizance