Awareness or knowledge of something; official notice or recognition, especially in legal matters.
From Old French connaissance (knowledge, acquaintance), derived from Latin cognoscere (to know). The word entered English in the 13th century and took on legal significance, particularly in the phrase 'take cognisance of' meaning to officially acknowledge.
When a judge says a court will 'take cognisance,' they're using a legal phrase that's been around for 700+ years and essentially means the court will officially recognize something as real and within its authority!
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