A searching by, or cognizance of, a magistrate, or other authorized officer. Now strict in navy and army.
·noun The act of examining, or state of being examined; a careful search, investigation, or inquiry;...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
·noun The interrogating or questioning of a witness by the party against whom he has been called and...
·noun An examination into one's own state, conduct, and motives, particularly in regard to religious...