[in-kwuh-zish-uh
n, ing-] 
| 1. | an official investigation, esp. one of a political or religious nature, characterized by lack of regard for individual rights, prejudice on the part of the examiners, and recklessly cruel punishments. |
| 2. | any harsh, difficult, or prolonged questioning. |
| 3. | the act of inquiring; inquiry; research. |
| 4. | an investigation, or process of inquiry. |
| 5. | a judicial or official inquiry. |
| 6. | the finding of such an inquiry. |
| 7. | the document embodying the result of such inquiry. |
| 8. | (initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church.
|
| in·qui·si·tion (ĭn'kwĭ-zĭsh'ən, ĭng'-) n.
[Middle English inquisicioun, from Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquīsītiō, inquīsītiōn-, from inquīsītus, past participle of inquīrere, to inquire; see inquire.] in'qui·si'tion·al adj. |
A court established by the Roman Catholic Church in the thirteenth century to try cases of heresy and other offenses against the church. Those convicted could be handed over to the civil authorities for punishment, including execution.
Note: The Inquisition was most active in Spain, especially under Tomás de Torquemada; its officials sometimes gained confessions through torture. It did not cease operation in the Spanish Empire until the nineteenth century.
Note: By association, a harsh or unjust trial or interrogation may be called an “inquisition.”