(in′kwə·zish′ən) noun
1. The proceedings and findings of a jury of inquest.
2. The jury or other body making judicial inquiry into some particular matter.
3. Investigation. See synonyms under HUNT, QUESTION. [<OF <L inquisitio, -onis <inquisitus. See INQUIRE.]

(in′kwə·zish′ən) noun
1. A court or tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church for the discovery, examination, and punishment of heretics; specifically, the ecclesiastical tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heretics, active in central and southern Europe in the 13th century; also, the Spanish Inquisition (1237–1834), the notoriously severe tribunal which continued its persecutions through the 16th century: put under state control 1480; abolished 1834: also called Holy Office.
2. The Congregation of the Holy Office.
—In′qui·si′tion·ist, Ιn·quis·i·tor (in·kwiz′ə·tər) noun