A bequest is a gift of personal property in a will. A devise is a gift of real property in a will. Bequests and devises in wills can be made to heirs or to someone who is not an heir.

An heir is someone who has statutory rights to inherit from the estate of a deceased person.

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  1. A word of caution, however: Legal language is regional in nature. While the definitions might apply here in the U.S., the same distinctions don’t in Scottish law. Always best to consult a legal dictionary for the country being researched.

    • Yes and in complex or confusing cases, reference to contemporary definitions and practice is advised as well.

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