Main Entry: per·qui·site

Pronunciation: \ˈpər-kwə-zət\

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