Definition of "oyer" []

• A hearing in a civil case which is based on the content of a document, in which the plaintiff is required to produce the document. (noun)

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• "Mr. Rich, as solicitor general, I appoint you and Mr. Cromwell to head a commission of oyer and terminer to investigate whether these offenses be true."
• "In 1683, Governor Dongan appointed him a judge of the court of oyer and terminer.161 In Massachusetts, too, most good lawyers in the generation after 1690 at one time or another held appointive office.162"
• "In Delaware, there were courts of oyer and terminer, and courts of general sessions and jail delivery."