PERQUISITE

noun Etymology: Middle English, property acquired by means other than inheritance, from Anglo-French perquisit, Medieval Latin perquisitum, from neuter of perquisitus, past participle of perquirere to purchase, acquire, from Latin, to search for thoroughly, from per- thoroughly + quaerere to seek Date: 15th century a privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages, gratuity , tip , something held or claimed as an exclusive right or possession