perquisite
UK[ˈpɜːkwɪzɪt]US[ˈpɜːrkwɪzɪt]
n
a special right or privilege enjoyed as a result of one's position.
n
a thing that is regarded as an extra benefit of a job, beyond salary.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
quisite
per
through
quisite
sought
Etymology
the word "perquisite" entered english in the 15th century from medieval latin perquisitum, meaning "an acquisition" or "thing sought after", itself a noun use of the neuter past participle of latin perquirere ("to seek diligently for"). this verb is composed of the intensive prefix per- ("through, thoroughly") and quaerere ("to seek, ask"). the original sense was of a casual profit or something gained over and above a regular wage, often through custom or privilege rather than formal right. over time, the meaning narrowed to specifically denote a benefit, privilege, or item received in addition to regular pay due to one's employment or position, reflecting the idea of something thoroughly sought after and obtained.
Analysis
Structure: per (through) + quisite (sought)
per (latin prefix, meaning "through, thoroughly"); quisite (from latin root quaesit-, past participle stem of quaerere, meaning "to seek, ask", functioning as the core semantic element).
Examples
a company car is a common perquisite for senior executives.
one of the perquisites of being a member is free access to the gym.
he enjoyed the perquisites of office more than the responsibilities.