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. See devise
   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

Launched at the start of the 20th century with a bequest from the man who invented dynamite, the Nobel Prizes have often proved explosive.

From Ozy

Muth called police to say she died from a fall, and told her family he was owed a bequest of $250,000.

From The Daily Beast

The bequest to Tolson was the final word on the closeness of their relationship.

From The Daily Beast

This latter, however, includes some 500 volumes of the Herries bequest.

From Project Gutenberg

Dividends that are declared after a grant or bequest, though earned before, go to the legatee as income.

From Project Gutenberg

A bequest of money securities includes a note secured by mortgage.

From Project Gutenberg

This woman had three sisters, four brothers, and three uncles, who would have shared with her the pauper's bequest.

From Project Gutenberg

Few members of the Society, perhaps, are aware, either of the bequest or of its annual payment.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• endowment
• inheritance