The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Recognize \Rec"og*nize\ (r[e^]k"[o^]g*n[imac]z), v. t. [imp. &
   p. p. Recognized (r[e^]k"[o^]g*n[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n.
   Recognizing (r[e^]k"[o^]g*n[imac]`z[i^]ng).] [From
   Recognizance; see Cognition, and cf. Reconnoiter.]
   [Written also recognise.]
   1. To know again; to perceive the identity of, with a person
      or thing previously known; to recover or recall knowledge
      of.
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            Speak, vassal; recognize thy sovereign queen.
                                                  --Harte.
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   2. To avow knowledge of; to allow that one knows; to consent
      to admit, hold, or the like; to admit with a formal
      acknowledgment; as, to recognize an obligation; to
      recognize a consul.
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   3. To acknowledge acquaintance with, as by salutation,
      bowing, or the like.
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   4. To show appreciation of; as, to recognize services by a
      testimonial.
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   5. To review; to reexamine. [Obs.] --South.
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   6. To reconnoiter. [Obs.] --R. Monro.
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   Syn: To acknowledge; avow; confess; own; allow; concede. See
        Acknowledge.
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