[hear.ing] n (13c) 1 a: the process, function, or power of perceiving sound; specif: the special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli b: earshot
2. a: opportunity to be heard, to present one's side of a case, or to be generally known or appreciated b (1): a listening to arguments (2): a preliminary examination in criminal procedure c: a session (as of a legislative committee) in which testimony is taken from witnesses 3 chiefly dial: a piece of news