Law. [in full, cognovit actionem (Lat.) ‘he has acknowledged the action.’] An acknowledgement by a defendant that the plaintiff’s cause is just; in which case the defendant, to save expense, suffers judgment to be entered against him without trial.
1762. Jacob, Law Dict., s.v.
1823. New Monthly Mag., IX. 443/2. The poor tailor … has lost his time, his cognovit, and his character.
1837. Dickens, Pickw., xlvi. You gave them a cognovit for the amount of your costs after the trial.
1869. Act 32 & 33 Vict., c. 62 § 26. Where in an action a warrant of attorney to confess judgment or a cognovit actionem is given.
