n.
Pronunciation: ˌ in-kw ə - ' zi-sh ə n, ˌ i ŋ -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English inquisicioun, from Anglo-French inquisition, from Latin inquisition-, inquisitio, from inquirere
Date: 14th century
1 : the act of inquiring : EXAMINATION
2 : a judicial or official inquiry or examination usually before a jury also : the finding of the jury
3 a capitalized : a former Roman Catholic tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heresy b : an investigation conducted with little regard for individual rights c : a severe questioning
– in · qui · si · tion · al \ - ' zi-sh( ə -)n ə l \ adjective