Definition of oyer and terminer in English:
oyer and terminer
noun ˌɔɪə ən(d) ˈtəːmɪnəˌoiər an(d) ˈtərminər
historical A commission issued to judges on a circuit to hold courts.
a court of oyer and terminer
Example sentencesExamples
- Following the outbreak of witchcraft accusations in Salem, Phips appointed Stoughton chief justice of the newly formed court of oyer and terminer.
- At first in the General Eyre and later under the commissions of oyer and terminer and gaol delivery, they would hear criminal cases.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French oyer et terminer 'hear and determine'.
Definition of oyer and terminer in US English:
oyer and terminer
nounˌoiər an(d) ˈtərminər
historical A court authorized to hear certain criminal cases.
a court of oyer and terminer
Example sentencesExamples
- At first in the General Eyre and later under the commissions of oyer and terminer and gaol delivery, they would hear criminal cases.
- Following the outbreak of witchcraft accusations in Salem, Phips appointed Stoughton chief justice of the newly formed court of oyer and terminer.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French oyer et terminer ‘hear and determine’.