In'quest, n.

n. [O. Fr. enqueste, N. Fr. enquête, Pr. enguesta, It. inchiesta, from Lat. inquisita, from inquisitus, p. p. of inquirere. See INQUIRE.]

1. The act of inquiring; inquiry; quest; search. “The laborious and vexatious inquest that the soul must make after science.” South.
2. (Law.) (a.) Judicial inquiry; official examination. (b.) A body of men assembled under authority of law to inquire into any matter, civil or criminal, particularly any case of violent or sudden death; a jury, particularly a coroner’s jury. The grand jury is sometimes called the grand inquest.

Inquest of office, an inquiry made by authority or direction of the proper officer into matters affecting the rights and interests of the crown or state. Craig. Bouvier.