<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>An official investigation, especially one of a political or religious nature, characterized by lack of regard for individual rights, prejudice on the part of the examiners, and recklessly cruel punishments.</li><li>Any harsh, difficult, or prolonged questioning.</li><li>The act of inquiring; inquiry; research.</li><li>An investigation, or process of inquiry.</li><li>A judicial or official inquiry.</li><li>The finding of such an inquiry.</li><li>The document embodying the result of such inquiry.</li><li>(Initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church: a former special tribunal, engaged chiefly in combating and punishing heresy.</li></ul>