Be·queath v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bequeathed p. pr. & vb. n. Bequeathing.]
1. To give or leave by will; to give by testament; -- said especially of personal property.
My heritage, which my dead father did bequeath to me. --Shak.
2. To hand down; to transmit.
To bequeath posterity somewhat to remember it. --Glanvill.
3. To give; to offer; to commit. [Obs.]
To whom, with all submission, on my knee
I do bequeath my faithful services
And true subjection everlastingly. --Shak.
Syn: -- To Bequeath, Devise.
Usage: Both these words denote the giving or disposing of property by will. Devise, in legal usage, is property used to denote a gift by will of real property, and he to whom it is given is called the devisee. Bequeath is properly applied to a gift by will or legacy; i. e., of personal property; the gift is called a legacy, and he who receives it is called a legatee. In popular usage the word bequeath is sometimes enlarged so as to embrace devise; and it is sometimes so construed by courts.
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