Prepositions

Q. My question regards the use of “as per.” Example: “As per your request, I enclose a check.” This use has always sounded redundant to me, and pretentious. Isn’t it more correct to say, “As you requested” or “Per your request”?

A. I feel the way you do about “as per,” but Merriam-Webster sanctions its use in such constructions (and adds an interesting historical note).