perquisite

American  

[pur-kwuh-zit] / ˈpɜr kwə zɪt /

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.

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perquisite British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of perquisite

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

Related Words

• perk