from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
COGNATION, civil law. Signifies generally the kindred which exists between
two persons who are united by ties of blood or family, or both.
2. Cognation is of three kinds: natural, civil, or mixed. Natural
cognation is that which is alone formed by ties of blood; such is the
kindred of those who owe their origin to an illicit connexion, either in
relation to their ascendants or collaterals.
3. Civil cognation is that which proceeds alone from the ties of
families as the kindred between the adopted father and the adopted child.
4. Mixed cognation is that which unites at the same time the ties of
blood and family, as that which exists between brothers, the issue of the
same lawful marriage. 6; Dig. 38, 10.