[au.di.ence] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L audientia, fr. audient-, audiens, prp. of audire] (14c) 1: the act or state of hearing
2. a: a formal hearing or interview "an ~ with the pope" b: an opportunity of being heard "I would succeed if I were once given ~" 3 a: a group of listeners or spectators b: a reading, viewing, or listening public
4: a group of ardent admirers or devotees: following