Webster's English Dictionary

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cognizance

cog.ni.zance \'ka:g-n*-z*n(t)s\ n [ME conisaunce, fr. OF conoissance, fr. 
   conoistre to know, fr]. L cognoscere 1: a distinguishing mark or emblem (as 
   a heraldic bearing)  2a: SURVEILLANCE, CONTROL  2b: APPREHENSION, 
   PERCEPTION  2c: range of apprehension  2d: NOTICE, OBSERVANCE  3a: the 
   right and power to hear and decide controversies  3b: the judicial hearing 
   of a matter