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

Emoluments, in constitutional law, are “any perquisite, advantage, or profit arising from the possession of an office.”

From Salon

"A gas scarcity situation" is the perquisite to impose the levy, which the government has already determined with falling Russian gas flows, the draft law showed.

From Reuters

The scraps are absolutely the baker’s perquisite, but feel free to share if someone offers to wash the cake pan.

From Seattle Times

That’s because of the high degree of location and schedule flexibility provided by working from home, which has become the most desired perquisite for the large majority of workers.

From Seattle Times

We need AB 1119 to ensure that such options do not again become the perquisite of privilege.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• perk