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