What does "coroner" mean?

Coroner: An officer of the peace whose principal duty is to inquire, with the help of a jury, into the cause of any violent, sudden or mysterious death, or death in prison, usually on sight of the body and at the place where the death occurred. [In England formerly also written and pronounced crowner.] Note: In some of the United States the office of coroner is abolished, that of medical examiner taking its place. Coroner's inquest. See under Inquest.