Cognizance /(? [or] ?; 277)/

Cog·ni·zance

Cognizance

n.
  1. Apprehension by the understanding; perception; observation.
    Within the cognizance and lying under the control of their divine Governor.
  2. Recollection; recognition.
    Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance, Eftsoones of him had perfect cognizance.
  3. Jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and decide controversies. (Law) [Eng.]
  4. 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.
    Wearing the liveries and cognizance of their master.
    This pale and angry rose, As cognizance of my blood-drinking hate.