Search the Dictionary

To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by putting queries. We will call the damsel, and inquire. Gen. xxiv. 57. Then David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him. 1 Sam. xxiii. 4.

The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning. He could no path nor track of foot descry, Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim. Spenser. The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate. Acts x. 17.…

Disposed to ask questions, especially in matters which do not concern the inquirer. A wise man is not inquisitive about things impertinent. Broome.

An inquisitive person; one fond of asking questions. [R.] "Inquisitors are tatlers." Feltham.

To question formally; to question; to examine by asking questions; as, to interrogate a witness. Wilt thou, uncalled, interrogate, Talker! the unreplying Fate Emerson.

A word used in asking questions; as, who which why

One who asks questions; a questioner.

A formal question or inquiry; esp. (Law), a question asked in writing. Macaulay.

To ask; to request; to bid; to summon; to ask to do some act, or go to some place; esp., to ask to an entertainment or visit; to request the company of; as, to invite to dinner, or a wedding, or an excursion. So many guests invite as here are writ. Shak. I invite his Grace of Castle Rackrent to reflect on this. Carlyle…

e or troublesome by reason of long continuance or repetition; as, irksome hours; irksome tasks. For not to irksome toil, but to delight, He made us. Milton.

verdriving or long-continued labor of any kind; to tire or wear out by severe or tedious tasks; to harass. The mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, . . . checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after. Locke.

A great Brazilian palm (Maximiliana regia), having immense spathes which are used for baskets and tubs.

A mask; a pageant; an interlude. [Obs.] Nares. He promised us, in honor of our guest, To grace our banquet with some pompous jest. Kyd.

See Raskolnik.

opinion; a decision. She in my judgment was as fair as you. Shak. Who first his judgment asked, and then a place. Pope.

Pieces of old cable or old cordage, used for making gaskets, mats, swabs, etc., and when picked to pieces, forming oakum for filling the seams of ships.

A small cask or barrel.

A kind of basketwork wear in a river, for catching fish. [Improperly spelled kittle.]

her flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. I Cor. xv. 39. Diogenes was asked in a kind of scorn: What was the matter that philosophers haunted rich men, and not rich men philosophers Bacon. A kind of, something belonging to the class of; something like to; -- said loosely or slightingly. In kind, in…

An osier basket used for catching fish. [Prov. Eng.]