The writ of inquiry is a ju-dlcial process addressed to the sheriff of the county in which the venue is laid, stating the former proceedings in the action, and, “because it is unknown what damages the plaintiff has sustained,” commanding the sheriff that, by the oath of twelve men of his county, he diligeutly Inquire into the same, and return the inquisition into court. This writ is necessary after au interlocutory judg-ment, the defendant having let judgment go by default, to ascertain the quantum of dam-ages. wharton
Source: Black’s Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)
