Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RECOGNOSCE, v. Also recognosse.

†1. Sc. Law: (1) of a feudal superior, to resume possession of lands on the alienation of his vassal. See Recognition.Sc. 1773 Erskine Institute ii. v. § 10:
The over-lord was said to recognosce the lands by the falling of the vassal's escheat, or by the nonentry of the heir.

(2) tr. and intr. of lands: to (be) return(ed) to the superior on alienation of the vassal.Sc. 1750 Falconer Decisions (25 Jan.):
The Duke of Gordon claimed the Lands . . . recognosced to him as Superior on the Attainder of his Vassal.Sc. 1752 Bankton Institute ii. xi.:
In holdings in feu-farm if the vassal neglect payment of the feu-duty for two years together, the feu becomes void by statute, and recognosces and returns to the superior.

†2. To revise, amend, rejudge.Ayr. 1739 Ayr Presb. Reg. MS. (26 April):
The Presbytry came to this question whether to review and recognosce the act approving the proceedings of the said Committee anent rebuilding the Manse or not.Sc. 1765 Scots Mag. (Sept.) 451:
By the same article [19] of the Union, it is enacted, that no causes in Scotland be cognoscible, or any judgment from thence by recognosced, reviewed, or altered, by the Courts of Chancery, Queen's bench, or Common Pleas, or any other Court in Westminster Hall.