Cognizance
COGNIZANCE (Lat. cognoscere, to know), knowledge, notice, especially judicial notice, the right of trying or considering a case judicially, the exercise of jurisdiction by a court of law. In heraldry a "cognizance" is an emblem, badge or device, used as a distinguishing mark by the body of retainers of a royal or noble house.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
