Definitions of inquisitorial:

  • adjective:   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
  • adjective:   having the authority to conduct official investigations
    Example: "The inquisitorial power of the Senate"
  • adjective:   marked by inquisitive interest; especially suggestive of an ecclesiastical inquisitor
    Example: "The press was inquisitorial to the point of antagonism"