inquest

An investigation conducted by a coroner, sometimes with the aid of a jury, into the cause of death of a person when the cause may be criminal.

A hearing conducted by a judge or magistrate to determine damages when a defendant has defaulted.

A judicial inquiry into a specified matter, such as a person’s mental condition.

An investigation or inquiry.

Inquiry; search; quest.

In law: A judicial inquiry, especially an inquiry held before a jury; specifically, a proceeding before a jury to determine the amount to be recovered in an action, when there is no trial in the ordinary sense, because the right to recover has been admitted; in common use, a coroner’s inquest.

The jury itself.

Inquiry; quest; search.