inquest

[in-kwest]

noun

1. a legal or judicial inquiry, usually before a jury, especially an investigation made by a coroner into the cause of a death.

   Synonyms: inquisition, hearing

2. the body of people appointed to hold such an inquiry, especially a coroner's jury.

3. the decision or finding based on such inquiry.

4. an investigation or examination.

inquest

/ ˈɪnˌkwɛst /

noun

1. 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

2. informal,  any inquiry or investigation

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquest¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquest¹

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

Example Sentences

At the time of the inquest, Mrs Griffiths was pregnant with her third child, who is now eight.

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An inquest concluded his death, from head injuries, was an accident after he lost his footing and fell in a ravine but the conspiracy theories continued online.

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The Covid inquiry's chair is former judge and crossbench peer Baroness Hallett, who previously led the inquests into the 7 July London bombings.

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An inquest into his death found Oli died as a result of misadventure.

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Senior Coroner Andrew Walker said the full inquest would take place on 26 February.

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Related Words

• inquisition