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In old practice. Hearing; the hearing a deed read, which a party sued on a bond, etc., might pray or demand, and it was then read to him by the other party; the entry ou the record being, “et ei legitur in hcco verba,” (and it is read to him in these words.) Steph. Pi. 67, 68 ; 3 Bl. Comm. 299; 3 Salk. 119. In modern practice. A copy of a bond or specialty sued upon, given to the opposite party, in lieu of the old practice of reading it.

A half-French phrase applied in England to the assizes, which are so called from the commission of oyer and terminer directed to the judges, empowering them to “inquire, hear, and determine” all treasons, felonies, and misdemeanors. This commission is now issued regularly but was formerly used only on particular occasions, as upon sudden outrage or insurrection in any place. In the United States, the higher criminal courts are called “courts of oyer and terminer.” Burrill.

A petition made in court that the judges, for better proof’s sake, will hear or look upon any record. Cowell.

Hear ye. A word used in courts by the public crier to command attention when a proclamation is about to be made. Commonly corrupted into “O yes.” p. 807 PACTA CONVENTA P. An abbreviation for “page;” also for “Paschalis,” (Easter term,) iu the Year Books, aud for numerous otiier words of which it is the initial. P. C. An abbreviation for “Pleas of the Crown;” sometimes also for “Privy Council,” “Parliamentary Cases,” “Patent Cases,” “Practice Cases,” “Penal Code,” or “Political Code.” P. H. V. An abbreviation for “pro hac vice,” for this turn, for this purpose or occa- sion. P. J. An abbreviation for “president” (or presiding) “judge,” (or justice.) P. L. An abbreviation for “Pamphlet Laws” or “Public Laws.” P. M. An abbreviation for “postmaster;” also for “post-meridian,” afternoon. P. O. An abbreviation of “public officer;” also of “post-office.” P. P. An abbreviation for “propria persona,” in Ms proper person, in bis own person. P. S. An abbreviation for “Public Statutes ;” also for “postscript”