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.
