Inquisition (?), n. [L. inquisitio : cf. F. inquisition. See Inquire, and cf. Inquest.] 1. The act of inquiring; inquiry; search; examination; inspection; investigation.
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As I could learn through earnest inquisition. Latimer.
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Let not search and inquisition quail
To bring again these foolish runaways. Shak.
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2. (Law) (a) Judicial inquiry; official examination; inquest. (b) The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry. Bouvier.
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The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county. Blackstone.
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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.
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