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. [ 1913 Webster ] In joys of conquest he resigns his breath. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] Three years sufficed for the conquest of the country. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral. [ 1913 Webster ] Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Feudal Law) The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. The act of gaining or regaining by successful struggle; as, the conquest of liberty or peace. [ 1913 Webster ] The Conquest (Eng. Hist.), the subjugation of England by William of Normandy in 1066. The Norman Conquest. Syn. -- Victory; triumph; mastery; reduction; subjugation; subjection. [ 1913 Webster ] |