perquisite
- 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.
- a gratuity or tip.
- something demanded or due as a particular privilege: homage that was once the perquisite of royalty.
Origin of perquisite
Related Words for perquisite
perk, gravy, advantage, extra, bonus, lagniappe, gratuity, tip, largess, plus, dividend, rewardExamples from the Web for perquisite
Historical Examples of perquisite
For every box of opium sold, the mate got a china dollar as a perquisite.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
Well, dear one, I would be sure of it if they could only see the perquisite that goes along with me.
St. Cuthbert'sRobert E. Knowles
The other part we supposed she had claimed as her perquisite.
In the Eastern SeasW.H.G. Kingston
Indeed I fancied he would be my perquisite, but there are plenty as good.
RienziEdward Bulwer Lytton
Nevertheless, his satisfaction at the perquisite far exceeded his surprise.
The Tiger HunterMayne Reid
perquisite
- an incidental benefit gained from a certain type of employment, such as the use of a company car
- a customary benefit received in addition to a regular income
- a customary tip
- something expected or regarded as an exclusive right
Word Origin for perquisite
Word Origin and History for perquisite
mid-15c., "property acquired other than by inheritance," from Medieval Latin perquisitum "thing gained, profit," in classical Latin, "thing sought after," noun use of neuter past participle of perquirere "to seek, ask for," from per- "thoroughly" (see per) + quærere "to seek" (see query (v.)). For Latin vowel change, see acquisition. General meaning "fee or profit on top of regular wages" first recorded 1560s.