Legal Definitions - devy

Devy is an archaic legal term, predominantly found in historical legal documents, statutes, and wills, that simply means to die.

While no longer in common legal use today, understanding this term is crucial when interpreting older legal texts, where it serves as a direct synonym for passing away or expiring.

• Example 1: In a will drafted in the 17th century, a clause might read: "Should my eldest son, Thomas, devy before reaching the age of twenty-one years, then his inheritance shall pass entirely to my daughter, Eleanor."

  Explanation: Here, "devy" clearly indicates a condition related to Thomas's death. If he dies before his 21st birthday, the inheritance plan changes, demonstrating that "devy" is used to mean "to die."

• Example 2: An old property deed from a feudal era might contain language stating: "The tenant shall hold the specified lands until such time as he shall devy, whereupon the lands shall revert to the rightful lord of the manor."

  Explanation: This example shows "devy" defining the termination point of a tenancy agreement. The tenant's right to hold the land ends upon his death, illustrating "devy" as "to die."

• Example 3: A historical statute concerning the administration of estates might refer to "any person who shall devyintestate," meaning someone who dies without having made a valid will.

  Explanation: In this context, "devy" is used to describe the act of dying itself, specifically in relation to the legal status of an individual's estate if they pass away without a will. It directly translates to "to die intestate."