AUDIENCE given to ambassadors, a ceremony observed in courts at the admission of ambassadors or public ministers to a hearing.

In England, audience is given to ambassadors in the presence chamber; to envoys and residents, in a gallery, cloister, or in any place where the king happens to be. Upon being admitted, as is the custom of all courts, they make three bows; after which they cover and fit down; but not before the king is covered and fat down, and has given them the sign to put on their hats. When the king does not care to have them covered, and fit, he himself stands uncovered; which is taken as a slight. At Constantinople, ministers usually have audience of the prime vizier. Audience is also the name of a court of justice established in the West-Indies by the Spaniards, answering in effect to the parliament in France. These courts take in several provinces, called allo audiencier, from the name of the tribunal to which they belong.

Audience is also the name of an ecclesiastical court held by the archbishop of Canterbury, wherein differences upon elections, consecrations, institutions, marriages, &c. are heard.

AUDIENDO & TERMINANDO, a writ, or rather a commission to certain persons, when any insurrection or great riot is committed in any place, for the appealing and punishment thereof.