Cognizance

Apprehension by the understanding; perception; observation.

Recollection; recognition.

Jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and decide controversies.

The hearing a matter judicially.

An acknowledgment of a fine of lands and tenements or confession of a thing done.

A form of defense in the action of replevin, by which the defendant insists that the goods were lawfully taken, as a distress, by defendant, acting as servant for another.

The distinguishing mark worn by an armed knight, usually upon the helmet, and by his retainers and followers: Hence, in general, a badge worn by a retainer or dependent, to indicate the person or party to which he belonged; a token by which a thing may be known.

range or scope of what is perceived

having knowledge of; "he had no awareness of his mistakes"; "his sudden consciousness of the problem he faced"; "their intelligence and general knowingness was impressive"

range of what one can know or understand; "beyond my ken"