Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Acquire \Ac*quire"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Acquired}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Acquiring}.] [L. acquirere, acquisitum; ad + quarere
   to seek for. In OE. was a verb aqueren, fr. the same, through
   OF. aquerre. See {Quest}..]
   To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own;
   as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad
   habits.

         No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step.
                                                  --Barrow.

         Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his
         ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of
         representation, as his heir at law.      --Blackstone.

   Syn: To obtain; gain; attain; procure; win; earn; secure. See
        {Obtain}.

Source : WordNet®

acquired
     adj : gotten through environmental forces; "acquired
           characteristics (such as a suntan or a broken nose)
           cannot be passed on"