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Added 9 October 2026

cognizance

/ˈkɒɡnɪzəns/ noun

Latin root: cognōscō Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cognizance at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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