perquisite

[ pur-kwuh-zit ]

noun

1. an incidental payment, benefit, privilege, or advantage over and above regular income, salary, or wages:

   Among the president's perquisites were free use of a company car and paid membership in a country club.

2. a gratuity or tip.
3. something demanded or due as a particular privilege:

   homage that was once the perquisite of royalty.

perquisite

/ ˈpɜːkwɪzɪt /

noun

1. an incidental benefit gained from a certain type of employment, such as the use of a company car
2. a customary benefit received in addition to a regular income
3. a customary tip
4. something expected or regarded as an exclusive right

Word History and Origins

Origin of perquisite¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin perquīsītum something acquired, noun use of neuter of Latin perquīsītus (past participle of perquīrere to search everywhere for, inquire diligently). See per-, inquisitive

Word History and Origins

Origin of perquisite¹

C15: from Medieval Latin perquīsītum an acquired possession, from Latin perquīrere to seek earnestly for something, from per- (thoroughly) + quaerere to ask for, seek

Example Sentences

Currently, ESOPs are taxable as perquisites at the time of exercise.

From TechCrunch

In many cases the jailor—for all remuneration and perquisite—was allowed to keep a tap.

From Project Gutenberg

The several Plates will be paid without any Deduction or Perquisite.

From Project Gutenberg

No consular fee has been paid until now, when, an agent being appointed, each vessel pays him a perquisite of four dollars.

From Project Gutenberg

It was his perquisite, and from the gold he panned out he ultimately made enough to put him through college.

From Project Gutenberg

If credit be given, the merchant is responsible, and receives a perquisite of five per cent on all sales.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• perk