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
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
Similar word(s): inquiring
3. having the authority to conduct official investigations
- the inquisitorial power of the Senate
Similar word(s): inquiring