'Inquisition' definitions:

Definition of 'Inquisition'

noun

A former tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church (1232-1820) created to discover and suppress heresy

noun

A severe interrogation (often violating the rights or privacy of individuals)

From: GCIDE

Inquisition \In`qui*si"tion\, n. [L. inquisitio : cf. F. inquisition. See Inquire, and cf. Inquest.]
1. The act of inquiring; inquiry; search; examination; inspection; investigation. [1913 Webster]
As I could learn through earnest inquisition. --Latimer. [1913 Webster]
Let not search and inquisition quail To bring again these foolish runaways. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. (Law) (a) Judicial inquiry; official examination; inquest. (b) The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry. --Bouvier. [1913 Webster]
The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
3. (R. C. Ch.) 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. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Inquisition \In`qui*si"tion\, v. t. To make inquisition concerning; to inquire into. [Obs.] --Milton. [1913 Webster]