inquest

[ in-kwest ]

/ ˈɪn kwɛst /

SEE MORE 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.

Nearby words

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

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

SYNONYMS FOR inquest

1 hearing, inquisition.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inquest ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inquest

That is a fact recorded by the doctor in charge of the ambulance at the inquest.
Harry’s Daddy, and Diana’s ‘Murder’: Royal Rumors In a New Play|Tom Sykes|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
At last month's inquest, Coroner Fiona Wilcox concluded Mrs Saldanha had taken her own life.
Kate Prank Call DJ Tells of Death Threats|Tom Sykes|October 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He told senior officials that an inquest was not powerful enough to handle the kind of allegations he needed to explore.
Brits Investigate Assassination of the Spy Who Warned Us About Putin|Nico Hines|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At an inquest in May, DCI Paul Fotheringham of Kent Police said recent heroin use was likely to have played a role in her death.
Peaches Geldof's Tragic Last Interview: "I’m going to die like my mother."|Tom Sykes|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Peaches Geldof died of a heroin overdose,an inquest heard today.
Peaches Geldof Died Of Heroin Overdose|Tom Sykes|May 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From the moment when informed by Mrs. Coppersley of the crime until the inquest, Bella suffered greatly.
The Solitary Farm|Fergus Hume
Cowper—When you returned to the Coroner's inquest, what did you certify as your opinion?
State Trials Vol. 2 (of 2)|Various
The inquest was then adjourned till next day, and there was great excitement over the affair.
Madame Midas|Fergus Hume
Nevertheless, the inquest will show whether or not I have been in error.'
Hugo|Arnold Bennett
A point which the evidence at the inquest did not clear up was the whereabouts of the Marquis at the time of the tragedy.
The Portland Peerage Romance|Charles J. Archard

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine 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.