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DictionaryinquisitionChurch tribunals
proper noun

inquisition

A historical system of church courts that prosecuted heresy.

The museum displays records of heresy trials held by the Inquisition.

Etymology
inquisitionLatininquiry

Latin inquisitio means inquiry or investigation. The institution’s name identifies its judicial investigation of suspected religious offenses, especially heresy.

More examples

  • The Spanish Inquisition prosecuted people accused of heresy.
  • She studies how the Inquisition questioned witnesses.
  • The book examines the Inquisition's influence on religious life.

Forms

inquisitor noun — An official who investigated suspected heresy.