- enquire
- Inquire In*quire", v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Inquired}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Inquiring}.] [OE. enqueren, inqueren, OF. enquerre,
F. enqu['e]rir, L. inquirere, inquisitum; pref. in- in +
quarere to seek. See {Quest} a seeking, and cf. {Inquiry}.]
[Written also {enquire}.]
1. To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by
putting queries.
[1913 Webster]
We will call the damsel, and inquire. --Gen. xxiv. 57. [1913 Webster]
Then David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him. --1 Sam. xxiii. 4. [1913 Webster]
2. To seek to learn anything by recourse to the proper means of knowledge; to make examination. [1913 Webster]
And inquire Gladly into the ways of God with man. --Miltom. [1913 Webster]
Note: This word is followed by of before the person asked; as, to inquire of a neighbor. It is followed by concerning, after, or about, before the subject of inquiry; as, his friends inquired about or concerning his welfare. ``Thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.'' --Eccl. vii. 10. It is followed by into when search is made for particular knowledge or information; as, to inquire into the cause of a sudden death. It is followed by for or after when a place or person is sought, or something is missing. ``Inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus.'' --Acts ix. 11. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.