bequeath

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verb be·queath \bi-ˈkwēth, -ˈkwēth, bē-\

Definition of bequeath

transitive verb
1 : to give or leave by will (see ²will 6) —used especially of personal property a ring bequeathed to her by her grandmother
2 : to hand down : transmit lessons bequeathed to future generations

bequeathal

play \-ˈkwē-thəl, -thəl\ noun

See bequeath defined for English-language learners

See bequeath defined for kids

Examples of bequeath in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of bequeath from the Web

Regents' dinners are a tradition going back decades using private funds bequeathed to the university, UC spokeswoman Dianne Klein said.

— CBS News, "California regents party at university's expense, report says", 29 May 2017
The legacy Bertrand bequeathed to her daughter lives on in full force both in Jolie’s life and in the lives of her kids.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Angelina Jolie on How Her Late Mother Influenced Her Own Parenting: ‘I Try to Lead by Example’", 28 May 2017
The series, which ran on NBC and in ubiquitous syndication through the 1990s, bequeathed a rich legacy of wet-suit fashion, Jet Ski safety and sunscreen awareness.

— a. o. scott, New York Times, "Review: ‘Baywatch,’ a Romp Full of Surf, Sand and Lots of Skin", 24 May 2017
Weapons technology tore the Continent to shreds, bequeathing a legacy of social conservatism that mystifies those without direct experience of the carpet bombing of civilians or occupation.

— misha glenny, WIRED, "How Europe Can Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Future", 1 Feb. 2001

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bequeath'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bequeath

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Legal Terms

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

BEQUEATH Defined for English Language Learners

bequeath

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verb

Definition of bequeath for English Language Learners

: to say in a will that (your property) will be given to (a person or organization) after you die
: to give (ideas, knowledge, etc.) to (younger people) as part of their history