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.

---

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

---

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

A mother-of-two died from complications after having cosmetic surgery in Turkey, an inquest has concluded.

From BBC

At the inquest, Dr Charlotte Hope, representing the trust, said "as an organisation we are forever improving our services" and that "a lot" of changes had been made since the couple's death.

From BBC

Ms Porter, who has attended several coronial inquests with families of those that have died, said little had changed since the royal commission in 1991 that aimed to address the crisis.

From BBC

A post-mortem examination has since been carried out ahead of a future inquest.

From BBC

An inquest into the full circumstances around his death remains open.

From BBC

Related Words

• inquisition