oyer and terminer

noun

oy·​er and ter·​mi·​ner ˌȯi-ər-ən(d)-ˈtər-mə-nər How to pronounce oyer and terminer (audio)
1
: a commission authorizing a British judge to hear and determine a criminal case at the assizes
2
: a high criminal court in some U.S. states

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, partial translation of Anglo-French oyer et terminer, literally, to hear and determine

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oyer and terminer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near oyer and terminer

oyer

oyer and terminer

oyez

Cite this Entry

“Oyer and terminer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oyer%20and%20terminer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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