Cognovit

contr. pleading, is a written confession of an action by a defendant, subscribed but not seal. ed, and authorising the plaintiff to sign judgment and issue execution, usually for a sum named. It is given after the action is brought to save expense. It differs froma war. rant of attorney which is given before the commencement of any action, and is under seal. A cognovit actionem is an acknowledgment and confession of the plaintiff’s cause of action against the defendant to be just and true.

Vide 3 Ch. Pr. 664.