First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
bequeath
verb be·queath \bi-ˈkwēth, -ˈkwēth, bē-\
: 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
Full Definition of BEQUEATH
transitive verb
1
: to give or leave by will —used especially of personal property
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Origin of BEQUEATH
Middle English bequethen, from Old English becwethan, from be- + cwethan to say — more at quoth
Other Legal Terms
BEQUEATH Defined for Kids
bequeath
verb be·queath \bi-ˈkwēth, -ˈkwēth\
be·queathedbe·queath·ing
Definition of BEQUEATH for Kids
1
: to give or leave by means of a will <I bequeath this ring to my sister.>
2
: to hand down <These stories were bequeathed to us by our ancestors.>
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