inquisitorial meaning and definition

INQUISITORIAL adjective

Definition of inquisitorial (adjective)

1. especially indicating a form of prosecution in which proceedings are secret and the accused is questioned by a prosecutor who acts also as the judge
   • antonym: accusatorial
2. marked by inquisitive interest; especially suggestive of an ecclesiastical inquisitor
   • "the press was inquisitorial to the point of antagonism"; "a practical police force with true inquisitorial talents"- Waldo Frank
3. having the authority to conduct official investigations
   • "the inquisitorial power of the Senate"