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Webster's New World College Dictionary » inquisition
inquisition
inquisition definition
in·qui·si·tion (in′kwə zis̸h′ən)
noun
- the act of inquiring; investigation
- R.C.Ch.
- a former general tribunal established in the 13th cent. for the discovery and suppression of heresy and the punishment of heretics
- the activities of this tribunal
- any harsh or arbitrary suppression or punishment of dissidents or nonconformists
- any severe or intensive questioning
- Law
- an inquest or any judicial inquiry
- the written finding of such an inquiry
Etymology: ME inquicisioun < OFr inquisition < L inquisitio < inquisitus, pp. of inquirere
Related Forms:
- inquisitional in′·qui·si′·tional adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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