n. 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.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A hearing or an inspection, as of a deed, bond, etc., .
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. In law, a hearing or trial of causes.
n. The production of a document or copy of a document which an adversary has mentioned in his pleading; anciently, the hearing of the reading of such document. In early times often called oyer and determiner.
Word Usage
"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."