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perquisite (n.)
mid-15c., "property acquired other than by inheritance" (c. 1300 in Anglo-Latin), from Medieval Latin perquisitum "thing gained, profit," in classical Latin, "thing sought after," noun use of neuter past participle of perquirere "to seek, ask for," from per "thoroughly" (see per) + quærere "to seek" (see query (v.)). For Latin vowel change, see acquisition. The general meaning "any incidental profit, gain, or fee on top of regular wages" is by 1560s.
updated on April 12, 2020
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Dictionary entries near perquisite
perpetuity
perpetuous
perplex
perplexed
perplexity
perquisite
Perrier
Perry
perse
persea
persecute