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

She was found dead at her Dorset home in January from toxicity and bladder damage caused by the Class B drug, an inquest concluded.

From BBC

A later inquest heard there were multiple failings in David's care.

From BBC

The inquest at Blackpool Town Hall was told no concerns were raised either when the healthcare assistants noticed Mrs Kneale's bleeding, or during her stay in hospital.

From BBC

An inquest was opened into Mr David's death late last month.

From BBC

It said she was instead provided with the number for an out-of-hours telephone line, which the inquest heard was not answered on several occasions.

From BBC

Related Words

• inquisition