ppl. a. [f. ACQUIRE v. + -ED.] Gained or obtained by one’s own exertion; gained, in contradistinction to innate or inherited.
1606. Shaks., Tr. & Cr., II. iii. 201. No, this thrice worthy and right valiant Lord Must not so staule his Palme, nobly acquir’d.
1651. Hobbes, Leviathan, I. viii. 35. Acquired Wit, I mean acquired by method and instruction.
1790. Burke, Fr. Revol., Wks. V. 96. Illustrious in rank, in descent, in hereditary and in acquired opulence.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, VII. v. 415. His natural habits as a boy and his acquired habits as a courtier.
1873. Symonds, Grk. Poets, ii. 63. Empedocles possessed more acquired and original knowledge than any of his contemporaries.
