Obs. [f. A- pref. 1 intens. + KEN v.1 Probably in OE.; cf. OHG. arkennan, mod. Germ. erkennen.] To recognize, to reconnoitre.
1250. Layamon, 7243. He þis lond a-kende [1205 he his lon ikende]. Ibid., 25430. Hit were þe kenlokeste men Þat eni man akende [1205 Þa æi mon ikende].
c. 1300. K. Alis., 3468. At the othir side akennynge, They sygh Darie the kyng.
1599. Soliman & Pers., V. in Hazl., Dodsl., V. 354. His ships were past a kenning from the shore.
