oyez

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imperative verb

ō-ˈyez  -ˈyā 

-ˈyes;

ˈō-ˌyez,

-ˌyā,

-ˌyes 

—used by a court or public crier to gain attention before a proclamation

oyez

2 of 2

noun

plural oyesses ō-ˈye-səz 

ˈō-ˌye-səz

: a cry of oyez

Word History

Etymology

Imperative verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, hear ye, imperative plural of oir to hear, from Latin audire — more at audible

First Known Use

Imperative Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oyez

imperative verb

ō-ˈyā,

-ˈyes

—used as a call to gain attention before a public announcement

Legal Definition

oyez

verb imperative

ō-ˈyez, -ˈyā, -ˈyes; ˈō-ˌ 

—used by a court officer (as a bailiff) to gain the attention of people present at the commencement of a judicial proceeding

Etymology

Verb imperative

Anglo-French oyez! hear ye!, from Old French oiez, oyez, imperative plural of oir to hear, from Latin audire