bequeath

be·queath

verb \bi-ˈkwēth, -ˈkwēth, bē-\

Definition of BEQUEATH

transitive verb

1

: to give or leave by will —used especially of personal property

2

: to hand down : transmit

— be·queath·al \-ˈkwē-thəl, -thəl\ noun

Examples of BEQUEATH

1. He bequeathed his paintings to the museum.
2. Lessons of the past are bequeathed to future generations.

Origin of BEQUEATH

Middle English bequethen, from Old English becwethan, from be- + cwethan to say — more at quoth

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BEQUEATH

Synonyms: leave, will

Related Words: deed; hand down, hand on, pass (down); devise

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with BEQUEATH

beneath, hadith, monteith