‖n. pl. [ L. ] (Law) Relatives by the mother's side. Wharton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. cognatio. ] 1. Relationship by blood; descent from the same original; kindred. [ 1913 Webster ]

As by our cognation to the body of the first Adam. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Participation of the same nature. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

A like temper and cognation. Sir K. Digby. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) That tie of consanguinity which exists between persons descended from the same mother; -- used in distinction from agnation. [ 1913 Webster ]