GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Inquisition , n. [L. inquisitio : cf. F. inquisition. See Inquire, and cf. Inquest.]
   The act of inquiring; inquiry; search; examination; inspection; investigation.
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   As I could learn through earnest inquisition.
   Latimer.
   
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   Let not search and inquisition quail
   To bring again these foolish runaways.
   Shak.
   
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   (Law) (a) Judicial inquiry; official examination; inquest. (b) The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry.
   Bouvier.
   
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   The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county.
   Blackstone.
   
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   (R. C. Ch.) 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.
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2.       
   Inquisition, v. t. To make inquisition concerning; to inquire into. [Obs.]
   Milton.
   
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