n.
Pronunciation: ' p ə r-kw ə -z ə t
Function: 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
1 : a privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages especially : one expected or promised
2 : GRATUITY , TIP
3 : something held or claimed as an exclusive right or possession