inquest

American  

[in-kwest] / ˈɪn kwɛst /

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.

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inquest British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of inquest

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

Example Sentences

An inquest into Nirodha's death last year heard that her body was found between two cars in South Morgan Place.

From BBC

Australia coach Andrew McDonald admitted his players were "devastated" but any inquest into the failure would only begin "when we exit the shores here".

From Barron's

The inquest into Jack's death heard the teenager was "plainly under stress" due to what assistant coroner Bernard Richmond KC described as the "frankly ridiculous hours that members of his troop were expected to work".

From BBC

A search of a local park for Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe was delayed because of "hostile" behaviour by some members of the public, an inquest has heard.

From BBC

The inquest at West London Coroner's Court heard that he was found dead in a hotel room in Shepherd's Bush, west London.

From BBC

Related Words

• inquisition