Cognovit literally means “he has acknowledged” – it is usually used in connection with acknowledgment of a debt. A clause in a promissory note allowing confession of judgment against the debtor is a cognovit clause – it is an acknowledgment by the debtor that judgment may be confessed (entered) against him. A “cognovit note” is a promissory note which contains a confession of judgment clause; interestingly, Pennsylvania is one of the few states which allow cognovit notes, but only in non-consumer transactions.
– Kevin Palmer