bequeathing

Bequeath \Be*queath"\ (b[-e]*kw[=e][th]"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Bequeathed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Bequeathing}.] [OE. biquethen,
   AS. becwe[eth]an to say, affirm, bequeath; pref. be- +
   cwe[eth]an to say, speak. See {Quoth}.]
   1. To give or leave by will; to give by testament; -- said
      especially of personal property.
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            My heritage, which my dead father did bequeath to
            me.                                   --Shak.
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   2. To hand down; to transmit.
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            To bequeath posterity somewhat to remember it.
                                                  --Glanvill.
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   3. To give; to offer; to commit. [Obs.]
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            To whom, with all submission, on my knee
            I do bequeath my faithful services
            And true subjection everlastingly.    --Shak.
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   Syn: To {Bequeath}, {Devise}.

   Usage: Both these words denote the giving or disposing of
          property by will. Devise, in legal usage, is property
          used to denote a gift by will of real property, and he
          to whom it is given is called the devisee. Bequeath is
          properly applied to a gift by will or legacy; i. e.,
          of personal property; the gift is called a legacy, and
          he who receives it is called a legatee. In popular
          usage the word bequeath is sometimes enlarged so as to
          embrace devise; and it is sometimes so construed by
          courts.
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