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.

My heritage, which my dead father did bequeath to
me. --Shak.

2. To hand down; to transmit.

To bequeath posterity somewhat to remember it.
--Glanvill.

3. To give; to offer; to commit. [Obs.]

To whom, with all submission, on my knee
I do bequeath my faithful services
And true subjection everlastingly. --Shak.

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.