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