cognovit
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1839)
Definitions from Case Law
From 405 U.S. 174 - D. H. Overmyer Co., Inc. of Ohio v. Frick Co. · 1972Most cited · 1,185 citing opinions
The cognovit is the ancient legal device by which the debtor consents in advance to the holder's obtaining a judgment without notice or hearing, and possibly even with the appearance, on the debtor's behalf, of an attorney designated by the holder.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
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.