a. [f. L. type *cognōscibil-is knowable, f. cognōsc-ĕre: see -BLE.]
1. Capable of being known; knowable, ascertainable; recognizable.
1648. H. G., trans. Balzacs Prince, 176. There remaines nothing cognoscible in Germany, but the Sea and the Mountaines.
a. 1691. T. Barlow, Rem. (1693), 546. God is naturally cognoscible.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. iii. 388. Definite, cognoscible circumstances.
1825. Bentham, Ration. Reward, 220. A determinate system of cognoscible laws.
b. as sb. That which can be known.
1683. Tryon, Way to Health, 117. The Cognoscible, and the knowledge thereof.
1845. O. Brownson, Wks., VI. 5. Spiritual cognoscibles, or the immaterial realities capable of being known.
† 2. Law. = COGNIZABLE 2. Obs.
a. 1644. Laud, Diary, etc. I. 333 (T.). In the high-commission we medled with no cause not cognoscible there.
1706. Act 6 Anne c. 11 Art. xix. No causes in Scotland [shall] be cognoscible by the courts in Westminster Hall.
1736. Carte, Ormonde, II. 210. Rules of plantation being only cognoscible at the Council-board.