Legal Definitions - bequeath

Bequeath

To bequeath means to formally give property to an individual or entity through a legally valid will. Traditionally, this term was used specifically for gifts of personal property, such as money, jewelry, or household items. In contrast, the term "devise" was historically used for gifts of real property, like land or buildings. However, in modern legal contexts, courts often interpret "bequeath" more broadly, allowing it to apply to both personal and real property when the will clearly expresses the giver's intent.

Here are some examples:

• After a long and fulfilling life, Ms. Eleanor Vance included a clause in her will stating, "I bequeath my collection of rare first-edition novels to the local public library."

  This illustrates the traditional use of "bequeath" for personal property, specifically a valuable collection of books, being given to an institution through a will.

• Mr. Robert Chen, a successful entrepreneur, stipulated in his final testament, "I bequeath the sum of one million dollars to be divided equally among my three grandchildren upon their 25th birthdays."

  Here, "bequeath" refers to the formal giving of a specific monetary amount, which is a form of personal property, to his grandchildren via his will.

• In her will, Mrs. Sylvia Rodriguez wrote, "I bequeath my family farm, including all its land and structures, to my daughter, Maria."

  This example demonstrates the modern, broader application of "bequeath" to include real property (the farm and its land). Even though "devise" was historically used for real estate, courts today often accept "bequeath" in such contexts when the intention to transfer the property through the will is clear.