Part 372

Bale.

In*ves"ti*gate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Investigated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Investigating.] [L. investigatus, p. p. of investigare to investigate; pref. in- in + vestigare to track, trace. See Vestige.] To follow up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition; as, to investigate the causes of natural phenomena.

In*ves"ti*gate, v. i. To pursue a course of investigation and study; to make investigation.

In*ves`ti*ga"tion (?), n. [L. investigatio: cf. F. investigation.] The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist.

In*ves"ti*ga*tive (?), a. Given to investigation; inquisitive; curious; searching.

In*ves"ti*ga`tor (?), n. [L.: cf. F. investigateur.] One who searches diligently into a subject.

In*ves"ti*ture (?; 135), n. [LL. investitura: cf. F. investiture.]

1. The act or ceremony of investing, or the state of being invested, as with an office; a giving possession; also, the right of so investing.

He had refused to yield up to the pope the investiture of bishops.

Sir W. Raleigh.

2. (Feudal Law) Livery of seizin.

The grant of land or a feud was perfected by the ceremony of corporal investiture, or open delivery of possession.

Blackstone.

3. That with which anyone is invested or clothed; investment; clothing; covering.

While we yet have on Our gross investiture of mortal weeds.

Trench.

In*vest"ive (?), a. Investing. [R.] Mir. for Mag.

In*vest"ment (?), n. 1. The act of investing, or the state of being invested.

2. That with which anyone is invested; a vestment.

Whose white investments figure innocence.

Shak.

3. (Mil.) The act of surrounding, blocking up, or besieging by an armed force, or the state of being so surrounded.

The capitulation was signed by the commander of the fort within six days after its investments.

Marshall.

4. The laying out of money in the purchase of some species of property; the amount of money invested, or that in which money is invested.

Before the investment could be made, a change of the market might render it ineligible.

A. Hamilton.

An investment in ink, paper, and steel pens.