Meaning of cognizance

cog•ni•zance

1. awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception: The guests took cognizance of the snide remark.
1. judicial notice as taken by a court in dealing with a cause.
2. the right of taking jurisdiction, as possessed by a court.
3. acknowledgment; admission, as a plea admitting the fact alleged in the declaration.
3. the range or scope of knowledge, observation, etc.: Such understanding is beyond his cognizance.
4. a device by which a person or a person's servants or property can be recognized; badge.