I discovered recently the definition of “legacy” and to my surprise I really didn’t know what the definition was. Below is out of Black’s Law Dictionary, revised 4th
edition:
LEGACY. A disposition of personalty by will.
In re Johnson's Estate, 220 Iowa 424, 262 N.W. 811; Hill v. Van Sant, 133 N.J.Eq. 133, 30 A.2d 904, 906; Stubbs v. Abel, 114 Or. 610, 233 P. 852, 858; State, for Use of Woodlands Cemetery Co. of Philadelphia v. Lodge, 2 Terry 125, 16 A.2d
250.
"Legacy" and "bequest" are equivalent terms. But In strict common-law terminology "legacy" and "devise" do not mean the same thing and are not interchangeable, latter being properly used only in relation to real estate.
But by construction the word "legacy" may be so extended as to Include realty or interests therein. See In re Ross's Estate, 140 Cal. 282, 73 P. 976; Bacon v. Bacon, 55 Vt. 247; Roth's Appeal, 94 Pa. 191; Williams v. McComb, 38 N.C. 455; In re Stuart's Will, 115 Wis. 294, 91 N.W. 688.
