from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Oyer \O"yer\, n. [Anglo F., a hearing, from OF. o["i]r, F.
ou["i]r, to hear, L. audire. See {Audible}.] (Law)
A hearing or an inspection, as of a deed, bond, etc., as when
a defendant in court prays oyer of a writing. --Blackstone.
[1913 Webster]
{Oyer and terminer} (Law), a term used in England in
commissions directed to judges of assize about to hold
court, directing them to hear and determine cases brought
before them. In the U.S. the phrase is used to designate
certain criminal courts.
[1913 Webster]