English
cognizant
A new formation from cognizance + -ant; first attested in the 19th century.
Formed from cognizance + -ant
Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- ‘to recognise’
…
Old French conoistre ‘to know’
Old French conoissance ‘acquaintance, recognition’
Old French conysance ‘recognition," later, "knowledge’
Middle English conysaunce
English cognizance
first attested A new formation from cognizance + -ant; first attested in the 19th century (as stated in the etymology)
The story
A new formation from cognizance + -ant; first attested in the 19th century.
Today it means
adj Aware; fully informed; having understanding of a fact.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / cognizant