GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Bequeath , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bequeathed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Bequeathing.] [OE. biquethen, AS. becweðan to say, affirm, bequeath; pref. be- + cweðan to say, speak. See Quoth.]
   To give or leave by will; to give by testament; -- said especially of personal property.
   1913 Webster
   My heritage, which my dead father did bequeath to me.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To hand down; to transmit.
   1913 Webster
   To bequeath posterity somewhat to remember it.
   Glanvill.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- To Bequeath, Devise.  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.
   1913 Webster