noun

1. the act of inquiring; investigation
2. R.C.Ch.
   1. a former general tribunal established in the 13th cent. for the discovery and suppression of heresy and the punishment of heretics
   2. the activities of this tribunal
3. 1. any harsh or arbitrary suppression or punishment of dissidents or nonconformists
   2. any severe or intensive questioning
4. Law
   1. an inquest or any judicial inquiry
   2. the written finding of such an inquiry

Etymology: ME inquicisioun < OFr inquisition < L inquisitio < inquisitus, pp. of inquirere