A person who inquires, especially one who is excessively harsh or searching in their questioning. The inquisitor grilled the suspect for hours, trying to uncover the truth.
An official in charge of conducting an inquisition, particularly in historical contexts such as the Spanish Inquisition. The inquisitor was feared throughout the region for his relentless pursuit of heretics.
In Scots or historical civil law: an official comparable to a coroner, appointed to investigate sudden or suspicious deaths. The local inquisitor recorded the testimony of witnesses after the body was discovered.