disquisition
(dɪskwɪˈzɪʃɛn)
[ad. L. disquīsītiōn-em inquiry, investigation, n. of action f. disquīsīt- ppl. stem of disquīrĕre: see disquire.]
1. Diligent or systematic search; investigation; research, examination.
| 1608–11 Jos. Hall Medit. Vowes ii. §28 The disquisition of great truthes requires time. 1668 Wilkins Real Char. i, Others have applyed their disquisitions to some particular Letters. 1744 Harris Three Treat. (1841) 51 In this disquisition into human conduct. 1767 H. Brooke Fool of Qual. (1859) I. 82 (D.) On their return from a disquisition as fruitless as solicitous, nurse declared her apprehensions that Harry had gone off with a little favourite boy. 1818 Jas. Mill Brit. India I. ii. iv. 150 A subject..of less subtle and difficult disquisition. 1855 H. Reed Lect. Eng. Lit. i. (1878) 42 To make it a topic of distinct disquisition. |
† b. ellipt. A subject or topic for investigation; a question. Obs. rare.
| 1605 Camden Rem. 214 Their growing vp, their flourishing..were a disquisition for the learned. 1660 R. Coke Justice Vind. 4 margin, The manner and order of attaining to Knowledge, is a subtil disquisition. |
2. A treatise or discourse in which a subject is investigated and discussed, or the results of investigation set forth at some length; less correctly, a learned or elaborate dissertation on a subject.
| 1647 Trapp Comm. Matt. xi. 17 Puzzling them with scholastical craggy disquisitions. a 1680 Butler Rem. (1759) I. 66 Unhappy Man..On hypothetic Dreams and Visions Grounds everlasting Disquisitions. 1794 Sullivan View Nat. II, In our foregoing disquisition we ventured upon the threshold of a Scythiac antediluvian hypothesis. 1840 Macaulay Ranke Ess. (1854) II. 146 The constant subjects of their lively satire and eloquent disquisitions. 1873 G. C. Davies Mount. & Mere i. 3 A learned disquisition on the alleged cruelty of sport. |