INQUISITION

n. v.

5 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

The act of inquiring; inquiry; search; examination; inspection; investigation. As I could learn through earnest inquisition. Latimer. Let not search and inquisition quail To bring again these foolish runaways. Shak.

2.
n.

Judicial inquiry; official examination; inquest.

3.
n.

The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry. Bouvier. The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county. Blackstone.

4.
n.

A court or tribunal for the examination and punishment of heretics, fully established by Pope Gregory IX. in 1235. Its operations were chiefly confined to Spain, Portugal, and their dependencies, and a part of Italy.

5.
v.

To make inquisistion concerning; to inquire into. [Obs.] Milton.