Definitions for: Inquisitorial


[adj] having the authority to conduct official investigations; "the inquisitorial power of the Senate"
[adj] marked by inquisitive interest; especially suggestive of an ecclesiastical inquisitor; "the press was inquisitorial to the point of antagonism"; "a practical police force with true inquisitorial talents"- Waldo Frank
[adj] especially indicating a form of prosecution in which proceedings are secret and the accused is questioned by a prosecutor who acts also as the judge



Webster (1913) Definition: In*quis`i*to"ri*al, a. [Cf. F. inquisitorial.]
1. Pertaining to inquisition; making rigorous and unfriendly
inquiry; searching; as, inquisitorial power. ``Illiberal
and inquisitorial abuse.'' --F. Blackburne.

He conferred on it a kind of inquisitorial and
censorious power even over the laity, and directed
it to inquire into all matters of conscience.
--Hume.

2. Pertaining to the Court of Inquisition or resembling its
practices. ``Inquisitorial robes.'' --C. Buchanan.

Synonyms: inquiring

Antonyms: accusatorial

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