bequest

[bih-kwest]

noun

1. a disposition in a will.

2. a legacy.

   A small bequest allowed her to live independently.

bequest

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bequest¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bequest¹

C14: _be- + Old English -cwiss degree; see _bequeath

Example Sentences

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

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“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.”

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You can delineate these bequests in a will or in a trust, but either way, the designated administrator becomes responsible for distributing the items and can be held accountable if things go missing.

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Receiving a bequest from your father will not change the many years you had growing up.

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A promise or statement of intent is not the same as a bequest or beneficiary designation.

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Related Words

• endowment 
• inheritance