1. Plural of cognizance; knowledge, awareness, or acknowledgment of something.
Usage: Often used in the phrase 'take cognizance of' meaning to notice or acknowledge.
2. In law, the right or power of a court to hear and decide a case; jurisdiction.
Usage: Legal/formal term; less common in everyday usage.
3. In heraldry, a distinctive badge or emblem worn or displayed by a person or family.
Usage: Heraldic/archaic term; specialized historical usage.

Examples

• The board took cognizances of the safety violations reported by employees.
• The court's cognizances extended only to civil matters, not criminal cases.
• Medieval nobles displayed their family cognizances on shields and banners.
• We brought the issue to her cognizances during the meeting.
• The judge determined that the lower court lacked cognizances over the dispute.