Inquest

Inqnsestio, /. I. A judicial inquiry, or examination; an inquiry into a matter, by a jury summoned for the purpose; a jury; the finding of a jury in a civil case, ex parte.

In English law

Inquest of office: an inquiry made by the king's officer, sheriff, coroner or escheator, virtute officii, or by writ sent to him for that purpose, or by commissioners specially appointed, concerning any matter that entitles the king to the possession of lands or tenements, goods or chattels. Inquiry^ writ of. A judicial writ issued in certain actions, where a defendant has suffered judgment by default, for the purpose of ascer-