cognation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun line of descent traced through the maternal side of the family
    matrilineage; enation.
  2. noun (anthropology) related by blood
    blood kinship; consanguinity.

WordNet

Cog*na"tion noun
Etymology
L. cognatio.
Definitions
  1. Relationship by blood; descent from the same original; kindred.
    As by our cognation to the body of the first Adam. Jer. Taylor.
  2. Participation of the same nature. Sir T. Browne.
    A like temper and cognation. Sir K. Digby.
  3. (Law) That tie of consanguinity which exists between persons descended from the same mother; -- used in distinction from agnation.

Webster 1913