v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Inquired p. pr. & vb. n. Inquiring. ] [ OE. enqueren, inqueren, OF. enquerre, F. enquérir, 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 ]

☞ 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 ]

v. t. 1. To ask about; to seek to know by asking; to make examination or inquiry respecting. [ 1913 Webster ]

Having thus at length inquired the truth concerning law and dispense. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

And all obey and few inquire his will. Byron. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To call or name. [ Obs. ] Spenser.

Syn. -- To ask; question. See Question. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. inquirens, p. pr. ] Making inquiry; inquiring; questioning. [ Obs. ] Shenstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Written also enquirer. ] One who inquires or examines; questioner; investigator. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Expert inquirers after truth. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]