1. A court hearing or session in which a case is tried; a court of law.
Usage: archaic; legal
2. A court commission or writ authorizing a judge to hear and determine a case.
Usage: archaic; legal; British

Examples

• The defendant requested an oyer to present his case before the judge.
• The oyer was granted, allowing the trial to proceed.
• In medieval England, an oyer and terminer commission gave judges authority to hear serious crimes.
• The court issued an oyer for the hearing of the disputed property claim.
• He appeared at the oyer to defend himself against the charges.