perquisite
pronunciation
How to pronounce perquisite in British English:
UK [ˈpɜ:kwɪzɪt]
How to pronounce perquisite in American English:
US [ˈpɜrkwɪzɪt]
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- Noun:
- an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
- a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
Word Origin
- perquisite (n.)
- mid-15c., "property acquired other than by inheritance," 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. General meaning "fee or profit on top of regular wages" first recorded 1560s.