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.
© Webster 1913.
In`qui*si"tion, v. t.
To make inquisistion concerning; to inquire into.
[Obs.]
Milton.
© Webster 1913.