inquest

[ in-kwest ]
/ ˈɪn kwɛst /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR inquest ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a legal or judicial inquiry, usually before a jury, especially an investigation made by a coroner into the cause of a death.
the body of people appointed to hold such an inquiry, especially a coroner's jury.
the decision or finding based on such inquiry.
an investigation or examination.

Origin of inquest

1250–1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin inquēsta, equivalent to Latin in- in-2 + quaesīta, plural (taken in ML as feminine singular) of quaesītum question (see quest); replacing Middle English enqueste < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin, as above

Words nearby inquest

input device, input-output analysis, input/output, inqilab, inquartation, inquest, inquiet, inquietude, inquiline, inquire, inquire after

Words related to inquest

inquisition, probe, hearing, trial, quest, examination, inquiry, research, probing, delving

Example sentences from the Web for inquest

British Dictionary definitions for inquest

inquest
/ (ˈɪnˌkwɛst) /

noun

an inquiry into the cause of an unexplained, sudden, or violent death, or as to whether or not property constitutes treasure trove, held by a coroner, in certain cases with a jury
informal any inquiry or investigation

Word Origin for inquest

C13: from Medieval Latin inquēsta, from Latin in- ² + quaesītus investigation, from quaerere to examine

Medical definitions for inquest

inquest
[ ĭn′kwĕst′ ]

n.

A legal inquiry into the cause of violent or mysterious death.
The finding based on such an inquiry.