Inquisition

Definition

The Inquisition was a group of institutions within the Catholic Church tasked with identifying, suppressing and punishing heresy since the 12th century. It's most infamous phase was during Spanish Inquisition in late 15th century.

Related terms

Heresy: Any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs, particularly in context of religion.

Spanish Inquisition: An institution established by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile aimed at maintaining Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms, notorious for its methods including torture and executions.

Auto-da-fé: Public penance rituals carried out after an Inquisition trial where sentences were pronounced and executed.