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Glite Dictionary
📢 A call for attention 📢 To call for silence
oyez

oyez

9.9
A loud word shouted to make people quiet and listen
  • interjection
  • /oʊˈjeɪ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : ¡oyez!
  • The judge shouted, "Oyez! All rise for the court!"

Examples

  • At the start of the ceremony, the town crier shouted oyez to gather everyone's attention.

  • During the assembly, the speaker called out, "Oyez! Please pay attention!"

  • The bailiff called out oyez three times to begin the court session.

  • You may still hear oyez in traditional legal proceedings in some countries.

  • As the judge entered the courtroom, he announced, "Oyez, everyone!" to command silence and attention.

  • The town crier stood on the steps and cried, "Oyez! Gather round for an important announcement!"

  • In the quiet hall, the speaker called out, "Oyez! Please listen carefully to what I have to say."

Synonyms

hallo
vsoyez
  • UK
1 7.8

A loud call to get someone's attention from a distance

is used formally to command silence and attention in courts or public meetings
halloo
vsoyez
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A loud shout to call dogs in a hunt or get someone's attention

is a formal traditional call that orders silence and focus in assemblies

Surface Forms

oyez main

Etymology

Oyez comes from old French oyer, meaning 'to hear', and it was used as a command like 'hear ye!' to get everyone to listen in a court. So when someone says oyez they are asking for silence and attention.