Inquire

v. i. [imp. & p. p. INQUIRED; p. pr. & vb. n. INQUIRING.] [Lat. inquirere, from prefix in and quærere, to seek; O. Fr. enquerre, N. Fr. enquérir, Pr. enquerer, enquirir, enquerre, Sp. inquirir, It. inquerire, inchiere, inchiedere.] [Written also enquire*.] 1. To ask a question or questions; to seek for truth or information by putting queries. We will call the damsel, and inquire. Gen. xxiv. 57. 2. To seek to learn any thing by recourse to the proper means of knowledge; to make examination or investigation. And inquire Gladly into the ways of God with man. Milton. This word is followed by of before the person asked; as, to inquire of a neighbor. It is followed by concerning, after, or about, before the subject of inquiry; as, his friends inquired about or concerning his welfare. “Thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.” Eccles. vii. 10. It is followed by into when search is made for particular knowledge or information; as, to inquire into the cause of a sudden death. It is followed by for or after when a place or person is sought, or something is missing. “Inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus.” Acts ix. 11. Inquire for or after the right road. It is often written enquire, though inquire is the form most commonly employed.