All 4 Uses
inquisition
in
Robinson Crusoe
(Auto-generated)
- I was for leaving my effects in her hands, intending to set out for Lisbon, and so the Brazils; but as in the Desolate Island I had some doubt about the Romish religion, so I knew there was little encouragement to settle there, unless I would apostatize from the orthodox faith, or live in continual fear of the Inquisition.†
- All things being ready for the voyage, my old partner told me there was an acquaintance of his, a Brazil planter, who having fallen under the displeasure of the church, & in fear of the Inquisition which obliged him to be concealed, would be glad of such an opportunity to make his escape, with his wife & two daughters; & if I would allot them a plantation in my island, he would give them a small stock to begin with, for that the officers had already seized his effects and estate, and left him nothing but a little household stuff and two slaves.†
- When I was at Portugal, there was held at that time the court of justice of the Inquisition.
*inquisition = harsh and unfair historical religious investigations
- that the court of Inquisition burnt two men for speaking dishonourably of the Blessed Virgin;†
Definitions:
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(1)
(inquisition) intense or harsh questioning or investigation; more specifically, a church court (especially in Roman Catholic history) set up to find and punish heresyHistorically, the Inquisition (capitalized as a proper noun) refers to Roman Catholic Church courts that investigated and punished people accused of heresy, especially during the Spanish Inquisition. It is remembered for harsh questioning, torture, and severe punishments.
- (2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)