quest

[kwest]

noun

1. a search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something.

   a quest for uranium mines;

   a quest for knowledge.

   Synonyms: undertaking, mission, journey, search, pursuit, hunt, hunt

2. Classical and Medieval Legend.,  an adventurous expedition undertaken by a knight or knights to secure or achieve something.

   the quest of the Holy Grail.

3. those engaged in such an expedition.

4. British Dialect.,  inquest.

5. Obsolete.,  a jury of inquest.

verb (used without object)

1. to search; seek (often followed by for orafter ).

   to quest after hidden treasure.

2. to go on a quest.

3. Hunting.,  (of a dog)

   1. to search for game.

   2. to bay or give tongue in pursuit of game.

verb (used with object)

1. to search or seek for; pursue.

quest

/ kwɛst /

noun

1. the act or an instance of looking for or seeking; search

   a quest for diamonds

2. (in medieval romance) an expedition by a knight or company of knights to accomplish some prescribed task, such as finding the Holy Grail

3. the object of a search; goal or target

   my quest is the treasure of the king

4. rare,  a collection of alms

verb

1. to go in search (of)

2. to go on a quest

3. 1. to search for game

   2. to bay when in pursuit of game

4. rare,  to collect alms

5. archaic,  (also tr) to go in search of (a thing); seek or pursue

Other Word Forms

• quester noun
• questingly adverb
• unquested adjective
• questing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quest¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English noun queste, from Old French, from Latin quaesīta, feminine past participle of quaerere “to seek”; Middle English verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of quest¹

C14: from Old French queste, from Latin quaesita sought, from quaerere to seek

Idioms and Phrases

see under in search of.

Example Sentences

Despite Van Veen finishing with a 106.47 average - the highest average in tournament history - and Littler 105.58, it was the Briton who won through to continue his quest for a first World Grand Prix title.

Read more on BBC

So far, little has stopped his quest for possessing the unfettered power of an anointed king.

Read more on Salon

But for me, the quest had been a success.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Molly Siobhan Parker is on a quest to dispel myths around autism - especially autistic women.

Read more on BBC

It’s a crack that makes me think of “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” itself — a woman’s ongoing quest to identify herself.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adventure 
• chase 
• crusade 
• expedition 
• exploration 
• hunt 
• inquiry 
• investigation 
• journey 
• pilgrimage 
• probe 
• pursuit 
• research 
• search