1 oyer and terminer | Definition of oyer and terminer
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oyer and terminer

noun
oy·​er and ter·​mi·​ner | \ ˌȯi-É™r-É™n(d)-ˈtÉ™r-mÉ™-nÉ™r How to pronounce oyer and terminer (audio) \

Definition of oyer and terminer

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

First Known Use of oyer and terminer

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for oyer and terminer

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

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