perquisite

per·qui·site

noun \ˈpər-kwə-zət\

Definition of PERQUISITE

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

Examples of PERQUISITE

1. Use of the company's jet is a perquisite of the job.
2. <give the movers a perquisite if they do a good job>

Origin of PERQUISITE

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PERQUISITE

Synonyms: gratuity, ²tip

Related Words: donation, gift, lagniappe, largesse (also largess), present; bonus, favor, reward; contribution, offering

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead