How did the phrase "hear you out" or "hear me out" come about?
The phrase means "listen to whatever I have to say before you pass judgment on me," or "tell me whatever you want; I don't mind and won't pass judgment on you."
First, why is it "hear" and not "listen"?
Second, how is the "out" used in this context, and what is the purpose of the "out"?
Third, how old is this phrase?