inquirent

1. not comparableobsoleteMaking enquiry; questioning.

   As in a garden, roves, of hues alone Inquirent, curious?

   a. 1763, William Shenstone, Economy: A Rhapsody, addressed to young poets

   1 more example

   Once a very inquirent disciple by the name of Chi Lu asked about […]

   1939, Psychiatry - Volume 2, page 475

plural inquirents

1. One who makes an enquiry; questioner.

   The factors are so numerous that it is next to impossible to give comprehensive and adequate information in the pages of an ordinary letter to the inquirent.

   1916, Camera: A Practical Magazine for Photographers - Volume 20, page 61

   2 more examples

   The ire of the inquirents was instantly roused at this liberal interpretation; they drew their swords, and were about to rush upon the Dutchman and his friends, who were already prepared to withstand them, when Hubert interposed.

   1854, “Hereward of Brunne”, in Ainsworth's Magazine, page 165

   Thus, for example, in December 1936, to facilitate provision of advice to inquirents, Dr. Ludwig, the mayor (Oberbürgermeister) of Cologne, provided city employees with an 8 page "Pamphlet for Kinship Research” which provided city employees with detailed information on the ancestral proof process, including the making of genealogical tables, and the obtaining and evaluation of documents.

   2004, Eric Ehrenreich, Genealogy and Genocide, page 198

2. more specificallyA court-appointed officer who is given the task of looking into a situation; a legal investigator.

   The Inquirent caused her to be told that she was bound to answer his citation, under penalty of fine and imprisonment.

   1868, William Hepworth Dixon, Spiritual Wives - Volume 1, page 210

   2 more examples

   When the case was re-opened, at Count Goerlitz's repeated demand, an "Inquirent” was appointed by the Count to examine the case—that is, an official investigator of all the circumstances; and on November 2, 1847, in the morning, notice was given to the Count that the “Inquirent” would visit his mansion on the morrow and examine both.

   1891, Sabine Baring-Gould, Historic Oddities and Strange Events

   The functions of an inquirent of the inferior courts are performed by an "investigating officer," who is appointed for each battalion and cavalry regiment by the convening officer, and by the latter sworn to the faithful performance thereof.

   1902, United States. Adjutant-General's Office. Military Information Division, Publications - Issue 2, page 206