from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Acquire \Ac*quire"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Acquired}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Acquiring}.] [L. acquirere, acquisitum; ad + quarere
to seek for. In OE. was a verb aqueren, fr. the same, through
OF. aquerre. See {Quest}..]
To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own;
as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad
habits.
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No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step.
--Barrow.
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Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his
ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of
representation, as his heir at law. --Blackstone.
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Syn: To obtain; gain; attain; procure; win; earn; secure. See
{Obtain}.
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