Inquisition \In`qui*si"tion\, n. [L. inquisitio : cf. F.
inquisition. See Inquire, and cf. Inquest.]
1. 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. (Law)
(a) Judicial inquiry; official examination; inquest.
(b) 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.
3. (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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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