To give something, usually money or property, to someone after you die in your will.
From Old English 'becwethan' (be- + cwethan, 'to say'), originally meaning 'to say or declare.' The meaning shifted to 'to leave by will' because a will is a formal declaration of what should happen after death.
Interesting fact: the word 'bequeath' comes from the same root as 'bequest' and 'quest'—all about declaring something officially. Medieval lords would bequest their lands in dramatic ceremonies, making it a big deal!
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