Part 264

2. To seek to learn anything by recourse to the proper means of knowledge; to make examination.

And inquire Gladly into the ways of God with man.

Miltom.

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." Eccl. 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.

In*quire", v. t. 1. To ask about; to seek to know by asking; to make examination or inquiry respecting.

Having thus at length inquired the truth concerning law and dispense.

Milton.

And all obey and few inquire his will.

Byron.

2. To call or name. [Obs.] Spenser.

Syn. -- To ask; question. See Question.

In*quir"ent (?), a. [L. inquirens, p. pr.] Making inquiry; inquiring; questioning. [Obs.] Shenstone.

In*quir"er (?), n. [Written also enquirer.] One who inquires or examines; questioner; investigator. Locke.

Expert inquirers after truth.

Cowper.

In*quir"ing, a. Given to inquiry; disposed to investigate causes; curious; as, an inquiring mind.

In*quir"ing*ly, adv. In an inquiring manner.

In*quir"y (?), n.; pl. Inquiries (#). [See Inquire.] [Written also enquiry.] 1. The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.

He could no path nor track of foot descry, Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.

Spenser.

The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.

Acts x. 17.

2. Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.

All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.

Dryden.

Court of inquiry. See under Court. -- Writ of inquiry, a writ issued in certain actions at law, where the defendant has suffered judgment to pass against him by default, in order to ascertain and assess the plaintiff's damages, where they can not readily be ascertained by mere calculation. Burrill.

Syn. -- Interrogation; interrogatory; question; query; scrutiny; investigation; research; examination.

In*quis"i*ble (?), a. Admitting judicial inquiry. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.