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.

No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step. --Barrow.

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.

Syn: To obtain; gain; attain; procure; win; earn; secure. See Obtain.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)