'acquest' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acquestus,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'quaerere' meant 'to seek.'

'acquestus' transformed into the Old French word 'acquest,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acquest' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to seek or acquire,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'property acquired by means other than inheritance.'