‖ cognoscente
(koɲoˈʃɛnte)
Pl. -ti (-ti).
[Ital. cognoscente, Latinized form of conoscente knowing man, connoisseur:—L. cognōscent-em, pr. pple. of cognōscĕre to know, etc.: see cognosce.]
One who knows a subject thoroughly; a connoisseur: chiefly in reference to the fine arts.
| 1778 Phil. Surv. S. Irel. 450 The cognoscenti..allow that Ireland is a school of music. 1795 Mason Ch. Mus. 77 (L.) A person of the most refined musical taste, an absolute cognoscente. 1862 Thornbury Turner II. 325 [Turner] neglected by the rich cognoscenti of the day. |