INQUISITION OF SPAIN

a court established by the Roman Catholic Church in the thirteenth century to try cases of heresy and other offenses against the church. Persons convicted could be handed over to the civil authorities for punishment, including execution. It was most active in Spain, especially under Tomas de Torquemada; its officials sometimes gained confessions through torture. It did not cease operation in the Spanish Empire until the nineteenth century. See also Torquemada in this glossary. —PDC Volume 4 Approved Glossary

a court established by the Roman Catholic Church in the thirteenth century to try cases of heresy and other offenses against the church. Persons convicted could be handed over to the civil authorities for punishment, including execution. It was most active in Spain, especially under Tomas de Torquemada; its officials sometimes gained confessions through torture. It did not cease operation in the Spanish Empire until the nineteenth century. See also Torquemada in this glossary.