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.

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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

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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

The four-month-old grandson of football manager Steve Bruce died after he was placed in an "unsafe sleeping position" on his front by an unregulated maternity nurse, an inquest heard.

From BBC

The inquest also heard the emergency response when she was found was slow and chaotic.

From BBC

An inquest into the deaths was held at the end of 2017 and the jury found the family had drowned due to misadventure.

From BBC

During an inquest in December, Reeves ruled that Rochester's death had been contributed to by neglect and she would most likely have lived if given the right antibiotics in time.

From BBC

Noah Donohoe's death was consistent with drowning with no evidence anyone else was involved, a pathologist has told an inquest.

From BBC

Related Words

• inquisition