Dictionary entry

Conquest

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con″quest (?), n. [OF. conquest, conqueste, F. conquête, LL. conquistum, conquista, prop. p. p. from L. conquirere. See Conquer.] 1. The act or process of conquering, or acquiring by force; the act of overcoming or subduing opposition by force, whether physical or moral; subjection; subjugation; victory.

In joys of conquest he resigns his breath.

Addison.

Three years sufficed for the conquest of the country.

Prescott.

2. That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral.

Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?

Shak.

3. (Feudal Law) The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition. Blackstone.

4. The act of gaining or regaining by successful struggle; as, the conquest of liberty or peace.

The Conquest(Eng. Hist.), the subjugation of England by William of Normandy in 1066.

Syn. — Victory; triumph; mastery; reduction; subjugation; subjection.