Legal Definitions - legatary

A legatary is an older, less commonly used term for a legatee. In modern legal language, a legatee is an individual or entity designated in a will to receive a specific gift of personal property. This gift, known as a legacy, can be money, jewelry, artwork, or any other personal item, but it does not include real estate (which is typically referred to as a devise). While the term "legatee" is standard today, "legatary" historically referred to the same role: the recipient of a legacy.

• Example 1: After her grandfather passed away, Eleanor discovered his will specified that she would receive his cherished vintage watch collection.

  Explanation: In this scenario, Eleanor is the legatary because she is the person named in the will to receive a specific collection of personal property (the vintage watches).

• Example 2: A university's scholarship fund was designated in a will to receive a $50,000 donation.

  Explanation: The university's scholarship fund acts as the legatary here, as it is the entity designated to receive a specific monetary gift from the deceased's estate through the will.

• Example 3: David's aunt's will stated that he would inherit her entire library of first-edition novels.

  Explanation: David is the legatary because he is the individual identified in the will to receive a particular collection of personal items (the first-edition novels) as a legacy.