ˌau̇dēˈen(t)sēə, -nch(ē)ə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish, literally, hearing, from Latin audientia
1.
a. : a tribunal in which the sovereign of Spain gave his personal attention to matters of justice
b. : an ecclesiastical or secular court representing the king of Spain
2. : a high court of justice in a Spanish colony frequently exercising military power as well as judicial and political functions
3. : a provincial or territorial high court in modern Spain
4. : the jurisdiction of an audiencia