Syn. — To Bequeath, Devise. 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.
BEQUEATHABLE
Be*queath"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being bequeathed.
BEQUEATHAL
Be*queath"al, n.
Defn: The act of bequeathing; bequeathment; bequest. Fuller.
BEQUEATHMENT
Be*queath"ment, n.
Defn: The act of bequeathing, or the state of being bequeathed; a bequest.
BEQUEST
Be*quest", n. Etym: [OE. biquest, corrupted fr. bequide; pref. be- +
AS. cwide a saying, becwe to bequeath. The ending -est is probably
due to confusion with quest. See Bequeath, Quest.]
1. The act of bequeathing or leaving by will; as, a bequest of property by A. to B.
2. That which is left by will, esp. personal property; a legacy; also, a gift.