among the ancient Greeks, is used for a kind of trial or examination, which the archons, or chief magistrates of Athens, were to undergo before their admission into that office. The anacrisis stands distinguished from the docimasia, which was a second examination, in the forum. The anacrisis was performed in the senate-house. The question here proposed to them were concerning their family, kindred, behaviour, estate, &c. Some will have it that all magistrates underwent the anacrisis.

among civilians, an investigation of truth, interrogation of witnesses, and inquiry made into any fact, especially by torture.