What is "writ of inquiry"

Inquiry \In*quir"y\, n.; pl. Inquiries. [See Inquire.]

1. The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.

   He could no path nor track of foot descry, Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
   --Spenser.

   The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
   --Acts x. 17.

2. Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.

   All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
   --Dryden.

   Court of inquiry. See under Court.

   Writ of inquiry, a writ issued in certain actions at law, where the defendant has suffered judgment to pass against him by default, in order to ascertain and assess the plaintiff's damages, where they can not readily be ascertained by mere calculation.
   --Burrill.

   Syn: Interrogation; interrogatory; question; query; scrutiny; investigation; research; examination.

n. (context legal English) A writ issued in certain actions at law, where the defendant has suffered judgment to pass against him by default, in order to ascertain and assess the plaintiff's damages, where they cannot readily be ascertained by mere calculation.