What is "to hear say"

Hear \Hear\ (h[=e]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Heard (h[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Hearing.] [OE. heren, AS,. hi['e]ran, h[=y]ran, h[=e]ran; akin to OS. h[=o]rian, OFries. hera, hora, D. hooren, OHG. h[=o]ren, G. h["o]ren, Icel. heyra, Sw. h["o]ra, Dan. hore, Goth. hausjan, and perh. to Gr. 'akoy`ein, E. acoustic. Cf. Hark, Hearken.]

1. To perceive by the ear; to apprehend or take cognizance of by the ear; as, to hear sounds; to hear a voice; to hear one call.

   Lay thine ear close to the ground, and list if thou canst hear the tread of travelers.
   --Shak.

   He had been heard to utter an ominous growl.
   --Macaulay.

2. To give audience or attention to; to listen to; to heed; to accept the doctrines or advice of; to obey; to examine; to try in a judicial court; as, to hear a recitation; to hear a class; the case will be heard to-morrow.

3. To attend, or be present at, as hearer or worshiper; as, to hear a concert; to hear Mass.

4. To give attention to as a teacher or judge.

   Thy matters are good and right, but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
   --2 Sam. xv. 3.

   I beseech your honor to hear me one single word.
   --Shak.

5. To accede to the demand or wishes of; to listen to and answer favorably; to favor.

   I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice.
   --Ps. cxvi. 1.

   They think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
   --Matt. vi. 7.

   Hear him. See Remark, under Hear, v. i.

   To hear a bird sing, to receive private communication. [Colloq.]
   --Shak.

   To hear say, to hear one say; to learn by common report; to receive by rumor. [Colloq.]