bequeath

[ bih-kweeth, -kweeth ]

verb (used with object)

1. to dispose of (personal property, especially money) by last will:

   She bequeathed her half of the company to her niece.

   Synonyms: consign, grant, bestow, leave, impart, will

2. to hand down; pass on.
3. Obsolete. to commit; entrust.

bequeath

/ bɪˈkwiːð; -ˈkwiːθ /

verb

1. law to dispose of (property, esp personal property) by will Compare devise
2. to hand down; pass on, as to following generations

Derived Forms

• beˈqueathal, noun
• beˈqueather, noun

Other Words From

• be·queath·a·ble adjective
• be·queath·al be·queath·ment noun
• be·queath·er noun
• un·be·queath·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bequeath¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English bequethen, Old English becwethan ( be- be- + cwethan “to say” ( quoth ), cognate with Old High German quedan, Gothic qithan )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bequeath¹

Old English becwethan ; related to Old Norse kvetha to speak, Gothic qithan , Old High German quethan

Example Sentences

And did they bequeath to the military the task of rescuing the democratic impulse stifled by a pharaoh with an Islamist face?

From The Daily Beast

Which will, in turn, mean they retire with less wealth, and bequeath less wealth to their children.

From The Daily Beast

I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, If you want me again look for me under your bootsoles.

From The Daily Beast

A testator may bequeath property to a trustee who shall select the objects of the testator's bounty.

From Project Gutenberg

I also give and bequeath to my beloved wife the dwelling-house and lot on which I now reside.

From Project Gutenberg

We can finish nothing in this life, but we can make a beginning, and bequeath a noble example.

From Project Gutenberg

But he could not bequeath political capacity to his colleagues, nor could he eradicate many bad traditions of long standing.

From Project Gutenberg

The sepulchre of Machpelah was the sole possession in the land of his adoption which he could bequeath to his descendants.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bestow
• entrust
• hand down
• impart
• pass on