Prĕc-og-ni'tion, n.

(-kog-nĭsh'un), n. [Lat. præcognitio, from præcognoscere, to foreknow, fr. præ, before, and cognoscere, to know; Sp. precognicion, It. precognizione. See COGNITION.]

1. Previous cognition; antecedent knowledge or examination. Fotherby.
2. (Scotch Practice.) A preliminary examination of a criminal case, and the circumstances attending it, to ascertain whether there is ground of prosecution. Craig. Erskine.

The written report, or precognition, as it is technically called, which the practice of Scotland has substituted for a coroner's inquest. W. Scott.