inquisition
nounverbattested in dialogue
- //ˌɪŋkwɪˈzɪʃən//
An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
noun
- 1
An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
But as farrefoorth as I coulde learne, through earneſt inquiſition I thoughte in my conſcience the woman was not gilty, all the circumſtances well conſydered.
Let not search and inquisition quail / To bring again these foolish runaways.
- 2
An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter. Such an investigation that is asserted to be persecutory by its adversaries.
- 3
An inquest.
- 4
A questioning.
- 5
The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry.
The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county.
Etymology
From Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquisitio, from inquirere. The sense implying persecution is influenced by the name of the Spanish Inquisition, which is a cardinal exemplar of government inquisitions that give inquisitions a bad name.
verb
- 1
obsoleteTo make inquisition concerning; to inquire into.
And in their name I shall for neither friend nor foe conceal what the general murmur is ; that if it come to inquisitioning again
Forms
- plural
- inquisitions
- past tense
- inquisitioned
- past participle
- inquisitioned
- present participle
- inquisitioning
- third person singular
- inquisitions
inquisition · An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
Inquisition · A harsh or rigorous interrogation that violates one’s rights.ins · insertinsane · Exhibiting unsoundness or disorder of mind; not sane; utterly…