1. One who is named in a will to take personal property; one who has received a legacy or bequest. [Cases: Wills 492–520. C.J.S. Wills §§ 902–966.]
2. Loosely, one to whom a devise of real property is given.
— Also termed (archaically) legatary. Cf. DEVISEE.
general legatee. A person whose bequest is of a specified quantity to be paid out of the estate’s personal assets.
residuary legatee (ri-zij-oo-er-ee). A person designated to receive the residue of a decedent’s estate. See residuary estate under ESTATE(3). [Cases: Wills 586. C.J.S. Wills §§ 1176–1179, 1184.]
specific legatee. The recipient, under a will, of designated property that is transferred by the owner’s death. [Cases: Wills 753, 754. C.J.S. Wills §§ 1662, 1666–1677, 1679–1683.]
universal legatee. A residuary legatee that receives the entire residuary estate.
