precognition

[ pree-kog-nish-uhn ]

noun

1. knowledge of a future event or situation, especially through extrasensory means.
2. Scots Law.
   1. the examination of witnesses and other parties before a trial in order to supply a legal ground for prosecution.
   2. the evidence established in such an examination.

precognition

/ ˌpriːkɒɡˈnɪʃən; priːˈkɒɡnɪtɪv /

noun

1. psychol the alleged ability to foresee future events See also clairvoyance clairaudience

Derived Forms

• precognitive, adjective

Other Words From

• pre·cog·ni·tive [pree-, kog, -ni-tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of precognition¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin praecognitiōn-, s. of praecognitiō; pre-, cognition

Word History and Origins

Origin of precognition¹

C17: from Late Latin praecognitiō foreknowledge, from praecognoscere to foresee, from prae before + cognoscere to know, ascertain

Example Sentences

In the meantime, Beagle's precognition was still proceedin; and Gilbert Walker and his dochter wouldna, it was said, relent.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us speak of it no more; you will receive notice when, where, and by whom, we are to take your precognition.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps some of the life forms even developed precognition like the human quakemen.

From Project Gutenberg

It's direct proof of precognition, and because of the prominence of the event, everybody will hear about it.

From Project Gutenberg

The sheriff immediately set about taking a precognition, for which he had been, by Geordie, previously prepared.

From Project Gutenberg