Dictionary entry

Inspection

Webster's Dictionary 1913

In‐spec″tion (?), n. [L. inspectio: cf. F. inspection.] 1. The act or process of inspecting or looking at carefully; a strict or prying examination; close or careful scrutiny; investigation. Spenser.

With narrow search, and with inspection deep,

Considered every creature. Milton.

2. The act of overseeing; official examination or superintendence.

Trial by inspection(O. Eng. Law), a mode of trial in which the case was settled by the individual observation and decision of the judge upon the testimony of his own senses, without the intervention of a jury. Abbott.