Definition of Inquisetion

Definition of Inquisetion

Inquisition, an ecclesiastical tribunal established in 1248 under Pope Innocent IV., and set up successively in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the S. of France, for the trial and punishment of heretics, of which that established in Spain achieved the greatest notoriety from the number of victims it sacrificed, and the remorseless tortures to which they were subjected, both when under examination to extort confession and after conviction. The rigour of its action began to abate in the 17th century, but it was not till 1835, after frequent attempts to limit its power and suppress it, that it was abolished in Spain. Napoleon suppressed it in France in 1808, and after an attempted revival from 1814 to 1820, its operations there came to an end. St. Dominic (q. v.) has the credit of having invented the institution by the zeal which animated him for the orthodoxy of the Church.

- Wikipedia

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.

- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

an investigation or inquiry into the truth of some matter
an inquest
a questioning

Inquisition

a tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church set up to investigate and suppress heresy
(by extension) a harsh or rigorous interrogation that violates the rights of an individual

- The Nuttall Encyclopedia

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