oyez

1 of 2

imperative verb

ō-ˈyez How to pronounce oyez (audio) -ˈyā How to pronounce oyez (audio)
-ˈyes;
ˈō-ˌyez,
-ˌyā,
-ˌyes How to pronounce oyez (audio)
used by a court or public crier to gain attention before a proclamation

oyez

2 of 2

noun

plural oyesses ō-ˈye-səz How to pronounce oyez (audio)
ˈō-ˌye-səz
: a cry of oyez

Word History

Etymology

Imperative verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, hear ye, imperative plural of oir to hear, from Latin audire — more at audible

First Known Use

Imperative Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oyez was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near oyez

Cite this Entry

“Oyez.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oyez. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oyez

imperative verb
ō-ˈyā,
-ˈyes
used as a call to gain attention before a public announcement

Legal Definition

used by a court officer (as a bailiff) to gain the attention of people present at the commencement of a judicial proceeding
Etymology

Verb imperative

Anglo-French oyez! hear ye!, from Old French oiez oyez, imperative plural of oir to hear, from Latin audire

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