bequeathed

Bequeathed is the past tense and participle of bequeath, a verb used primarily in the context of wills and estates. To bequeath something is to leave it to a person or organization as a gift upon the death of the giver. The property left in this way is called a bequest, and the recipient is the beneficiary. Bequeathing typically concerns personal property, money, or other tangible assets; in many jurisdictions, real property is more commonly described as being devised rather than bequeathed, though usage can vary.

Bequeathed items are specified in a will and become enforceable only after the testator dies and probate processes conclude. Bequests may be specific (a named item), general (a sum or unspecified portion of the estate), or residuary (remainder after other gifts). The act can be revoked or altered by a later will or codicil, provided the changes meet legal requirements. If a beneficiary predeceases the testator, the bequest may lapse or pass to alternate beneficiaries as set out in the will or by law.

In legal and historical contexts, bequeath is distinguished from other terms such as devise (for real property) and inherit (to receive property by operation of law). Etymology traces back to older legal language from English and French roots, reflecting its longstanding use in estate planning.

See also: Will, Testament, Estate, Inheritance, Beneficiary, Probate.