Main Entry: in·qui·si·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin-kwə-ˈzi-shən, ˌiŋ-\

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 \-ˈzi-sh(ə-)n^əl\ adjective