Inquest

in·quest   (ĭn'kwěst')    n.   Law A judicial inquiry into a matter usually held before a jury, especially an inquiry into the cause of a death. A jury making such an inquiry. The finding based on such an inquiry. An investigation or inquiry. See Synonyms at inquiry. [Middle English enqueste, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *inquaesīta, thing inquired into, alteration of Latin inquīsīta, feminine past participle of inquīrere, to inquire into; see inquire.]

inquest 

Main Entry: in·quest
Pronunciation: 'in-"kwest
Function: noun
Etymology: Anglo-French enqueste, from Old French, ultimately from Latin inquirere to ask about, from in- within, into + quaerere to seek
1 : a judicial or official inquiry or examination often before a jury inquest> —compare TRIAL
2 : a body of people (as a jury) assembled to hold a judicial or official inquiry; also : the finding of such an inquiry or the document recording it

Main Entry: in·quest
Pronunciation: 'in-"kwest
Function: noun
: a judicial or official inquiry especially before a jury to determine the cause of aviolent or unexpected death inquest>

inquest in·quest (ĭn'kwěst')
n.

1. A legal inquiry into the cause of violent or mysterious death.

2. The finding based on such an inquiry.

inquest

judicial inquiry by a group of persons appointed by a court. The most common type is the inquest set up to investigate a death apparently occasioned by unnatural means. Witnesses are examined, and a special jury returns a verdict on the cause of death. In England inquests are also required when there is loss or injury in a fire. The inquest is confined to common-law jurisdictions that have a coroner system

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