inquiry

noun2

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

   • Yet in that February there were still some flutters of song, one of which was, Hey for the Lass wi' a Tocher, written in answer to Thomson's beseeching inquiry if he was never to hear from him again. — 1901
2. •
   A search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation; inquest.