inquisitorial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective 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
  2. adjective satellite 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
  3. adjective satellite having the authority to conduct official investigations
    • the inquisitorial power of the Senate

WordNet

In*quis`i*to"ri*al adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. inquisitorial.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913