- perquisite
- mid-15c., "property acquired other than by inheritance," from M.L. perquisitum "thing gained, profit," in L., "thing sought after," from neut. pp. of perquirere "to seek, ask for," from per- "thoroughly" + quærere "to seek" (see query). For L. vowel change, see acquisition. General meaning "fee or profit on top of regular wages" first recorded 1560s.