noun / verb
devise
A gift of real property through a will, or the act of making it.
Her will includes a devise of the farm to her daughter.
Etymology
Old French deviser could mean to divide or arrange. The legal use applies that distribution to property disposed of by a will, naming the gift or the act of making it.
More examples
- He devises his house to his niece in his will.
- She devised the land to a local charity.
- The will lists separate devises of two rental properties.
Forms
devise · devises · devised · devising
devisee noun — A person receiving real property by will.
Similar words
- bequest
- Traditionally means a gift of personal property, not real estate.
- bequeath
- Traditionally applies to leaving personal property rather than real estate.
- inheritance
- Property received after someone's death, with or without a will.