'Inquisitorial' definitions:
Definition of 'inquisitorial'
(from WordNet)
adjective
Especially indicating a form of prosecution in which proceedings are secret and the accused is questioned by a prosecutor who acts also as the judge [ant: accusatorial]
adjective
Marked by inquisitive interest; especially suggestive of an ecclesiastical inquisitor; "the press was inquisitorial to the point of antagonism"; "a practical police force with true inquisitorial talents"- Waldo Frank
adjective
Having the authority to conduct official investigations; "the inquisitorial power of the Senate"
Definition of 'Inquisitorial'
From: GCIDE
- Inquisitorial \In*quis`i*to"ri*al\, a. [Cf. F. inquisitorial.]
- 1. Pertaining to inquisition; making rigorous and unfriendly inquiry; searching; as, inquisitorial power. "Illiberal and inquisitorial abuse." --F. Blackburne. [1913 Webster]
- He conferred on it a kind of inquisitorial and censorious power even over the laity, and directed it to inquire into all matters of conscience. --Hume. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Pertaining to the Court of Inquisition or resembling its practices. "Inquisitorial robes." --C. Buchanan. [1913 Webster]