Cognovit Actionem
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary · Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Lat. (He hath acknowledged the action); sometimes simply termed a COGNOVIT.
In practice
A written confession of an action at law, signed by the defendant, or his attorney, given to the plaintiff after receiving his declaration, and before plea. In substance, it acknowledges the demand to be just, and authorizes the plaintiff to enter judgment for a sum named, either absolutely, or upon specified conditions.* 1 Tidd's Pr. 559. Where it is given after plea pleaded, it is usually termed a relicta, or relicta and cognovit. Id. ibid.
See Relicta.