Relationship by blood, whether through a common female or male descendant, rather than by marriage. cognizable adj 1 Within the jurisdiction of a court, a dispute that a court has the power to adjudicate. 2 Capable of being known or recognized. n. Latin. cognovit He has conceded. An acknowledgment of a debt or liability in the form of the debtor's written consent to a judgment taken against the debtor by the creditor, if a particular event does or does not occur