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.