inquest

[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.
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.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin inquēsta, equivalent to Latin in- in-2 + quaesīta, plural (taken in ML as feminine singular) of quaesītum question (see quest); replacing Middle English enqueste < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin, as above
Synonyms
1. hearing, inquisition.
Examples from the web for inquest
  • No information will be released on any cases until the inquest is held and investigation is complete.
  • Now, two years later, a jury in an official inquest has reached a damning conclusion.
  • By law, no official inquest could be held without a body.
  • At the inquest, the judge shall preside and the county attorney shall conduct the inquest on behalf of the state.
  • The coroner may adjourn the inquest from time to time as he or she may deem necessary.
British Dictionary definitions for inquest

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 Origin
C13: from Medieval Latin inquēsta, from Latin in-² + quaesītus investigation, from quaerere to examine
Word Origin and History for inquest
n.

late 13c., an-queste "legal or judicial inquiry," from Old French enqueste "inquiry," from Vulgar Latin *inquaestia (cf. Italian inchiesta), from fem. past participle of Vulgar Latin *inquirere "inquire" (see inquire).

inquest in Medicine

inquest in·quest (ĭn'kwěst')
n.

  1. A legal inquiry into the cause of violent or mysterious death.

  2. The finding based on such an inquiry.

Encyclopedia Article for inquest

judicial inquiry by a group of persons appointed by a court. The most common type is the inquest set up to investigate a death apparently occasioned by unnatural means. Witnesses are examined, and a special jury returns a verdict on the cause of death. In England inquests are also required when there is loss or injury in a fire. The inquest is confined to common-law jurisdictions that have a coroner system

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