n.; pl. Legacies [ L. (assumed) legatia, for legatum, from legare to appoint by last will, to bequeath as a legacy, to depute: cf. OF. legat legacy. See Legate. ] 1. A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor or disease. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A business with which one is intrusted by another; a commission; -- obsolete, except in the phrases last legacy, dying legacy, and the like. [ 1913 Webster ] My legacy and message wherefore I am sent into the world. Tyndale. [ 1913 Webster ] He came and told his legacy. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]
Legacy duty, a tax paid to government on legacies. Wharton. --
Legacy hunter, one who flatters and courts any one for the sake of a legacy. [ 1913 Webster ]
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