verb

bequeath

bih-KWEETH/bɪˈkwiːð/

To pass something on to others as a legacy.

The man bequeaths his distinctive clock to the beneficiary who later receives it.

A compact two-stage scene shows a man formally arranging the disposal of his property, followed by the same legal professional passing his distinctive clock to a beneficiary after his death.

Etymology

With be-, the verb meaning “say” covered both speaking and leaving property by will. The general speaking sense disappeared, while the specialized legal sense of transferring property by a will survived.

In context

History Before Sleep39:59

It's a life estate, not fe simple ownership. You can't sell the land, can't mortgage it, can't bequeath it to your children.

🏰🌾 Money, PROPERTY & WIDOWS — Women’s Rights in the Middle Ages | History For Sleep

More examples

He bequeathed his books to the town library.
Earlier generations bequeathed us a rich musical tradition.
She plans to bequeath her savings to a scholarship fund.

Forms

bequeath · bequeaths · bequeathed · bequeathing

bequest noun — Property given to someone by will.

Similar words

leave: More general and does not necessarily imply a will.
donate: Usually describes giving during the donor's lifetime.