perquisite

English

Etymology

From Medieval Latin perquisitum (something acquired for profit).

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpɜrkwəzɪt/

Noun

perquisite (plural perquisites)

1. (mostly plural) Any monetary or other incidental benefit beyond salary.

   The perquisites of this job include health insurance and a performance bonus.

2. A gratuity.

   After the wonderful service that evening he didn’t hesitate in laying a substantial perquisite on the table.

3. A privilege or possession held or claimed exclusively by a certain person, group or class.

   Private jets and motor yachts are a perquisite of the rich.

Derived terms

• commonly abbreviated as perq or perk.

Translations

benefit beyond salary

Dutch: extralegaal (nl) voordeel (nl) n., supplementair (nl) inkomen (nl) n. Finnish: etuus (fi)

French: gratification (fr) f.

gratuity

Dutch: fooi (nl) f., drinkgeld (nl) n., extra (nl) m. (often in the diminutive) Finnish: juomaraha (fi), palveluraha (fi)

French: don (fr) m., cadeau (fr) m.

privilege

Dutch: voorrecht (nl) n., alleenrecht (nl) n. Finnish: etuoikeus (fi)

French: privilège (fr) m.

References

• prof. dr. W. Martin, prof. dr. G.A.J. Tops et.al., Groot Woordenboek Engels–Nederlands, Van Dale Lexicografie, Utrecht/Antwerpen, 1998 [English–Dutch dictionary]

---

Italian

Verb

perquisite

1. second-person plural present indicative of perquisire
2. second-person plural imperative of perquisire
3. Female Plural of perquisito

---

Latin

Participle

perquīsīte

1. vocative masculine singular of perquīsītus