bequest etymology

Etymology:

The word "bequest" comes from the Old French word "bequester," meaning "to request" or "to leave behind." It is derived from the Latin word "quaerere," meaning "to seek" or "to inquire."

Meaning:

A bequest is a gift of property or money left by a person in their will to be distributed after their death. It is a type of inheritance that is distinguished from other forms of property distribution, such as intestacy (when a person dies without a will) or gifts made during the person's lifetime.

Origin:

The concept of bequests has been present in various cultures and legal systems for centuries. In Roman law, it was known as a "legatum," which allowed testators to make specific gifts to individuals or entities through their wills.

In the English legal system, bequests became common during the Middle Ages. The Statute of Wills (1540) established the legal framework for the creation and enforcement of wills, including bequests.

Over time, the use of bequests became widespread as a way to distribute property after death and to ensure that specific items or funds went to desired beneficiaries. Bequests play an important role in estate planning and wealth management, allowing individuals to control how their assets will be distributed upon their passing.

bequest relate terms

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  • hight

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  • quoth

    Etymology Middle English quath quoth Old English cweþan to say speak utter Prot

  • bequest

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  • quoth

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  • legacy

    Etymology The word legacy comes from the Latin word legare meaning to give or bequ

  • lease

    Etymology Lease is derived from the Old French word less meaning to let or to relea

  • pittance

    Etymology The word pittance derives from the Latin pietantia meaning a dish served

  • device

    Etymology The word device comes from the Old French word deviser meaning to divide

  • gift

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  • guilt

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  • equivocal

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