inquisition

Definition

An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.

Etymology

From Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquisitio, from inquirere. The sense implying persecution is influenced by the name of the Spanish Inquisition, which is a cardinal exemplar of government inquisitions that give inquisitions a bad name.

Example Sentences

• "But as farrefoorth as I coulde learne, through earneſt inquiſition I thoughte in my conſcience the woman was not gilty, all the circumſtances well conſydered."
• "Let not search and inquisition quail / To bring again these foolish runaways."
• "The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county."