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n. 1. Conscious knowledge or recognition; awareness. 2. The range of what one can know or understand. 3. Observance; notice: We will take cognizance of your objections at the proper time. 4. Law Acknowledgment, recognition, or jurisdiction; the assumption of jurisdiction in a case. 5. Heraldry A crest or badge worn to distinguish the bearer. [Middle English conissaunce, from Old French conoissance, from connoistre, to know, from Latin cognōscere, to learn; see COGNITION.] |
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