bequest

American  

[bih-kwest] / bɪˈkwɛst /

noun

1. a disposition in a will.

2. a legacy.

   A small bequest allowed her to live independently.

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bequest British  

/ bɪˈkwɛst /

noun

1. 1. the act of bequeathing

   2. something that is bequeathed

2. law a gift of property by will, esp personal property Compare devise devise

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Etymology

Origin of bequest

1250–1300; Middle English biqueste, biquyste, equivalent to bi- be- + quiste will, bequest, Old English -cwis ( se ) (with excrescent t, as in behest ), noun derivative of cwethan to say; on the model of bequethen bequeath

Example Sentences

Gold bars, rings and necklaces can be handed down to the next generation as wedding gifts or inheritance bequests.

From Barron's

It’s also likely that the Reiners included charitable bequests in their estate plans.

From Salon

There are ways to leave a legacy even with a small amount of funds, and charities count on these kinds of bequests.

From MarketWatch

But they must first deal with the legalities of their bequest.

From MarketWatch

“For most sales, the basis is the amount the taxpayer invested in the asset, adjusted for subsequent improvements, depreciation, and certain other items. For gifts and bequests, however, special basis rules apply.”

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• endowment
• inheritance