3. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: 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.
INQUISITION
In`qui*si"tion, v. t.
Defn: To make inquisistion concerning; to inquire into. [Obs.]
Milton.
INQUISITIONAL
In`qui*si"tion*al, a. Etym: [LL. inquisitionalis.]
Defn: Relating to inquiry or inquisition; inquisitorial; also, of or pertaining to, or characteristic of, the Inquisition. All the inquisitional rigor . . . executed upon books. Milton.
INQUISITIONARY
In`qui*si"tion*a*ry, (, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inquisitionnaire.] [R.]
Defn: Inquisitional.
INQUISITIVE
In*quis"i*tive, a. Etym: [OE. inquisitif, F. inquisitif.]
1. Disposed to ask questions, especially in matters which do not concern the inquirer. A wise man is not inquisitive about things impertinent. Broome.