• A legacy is said to be vested when the testator’s words making the bequest convey a transmissible interest, whether present or future, to the legatee. Thus, a legacy to be paid when the legatee reaches the age of 21 is a vested legacy because it is given unconditionally and absolutely. Although the legacy is vested, the legatee’s enjoyment of it is deferred. Cf. absolute legacy; contingent legacy. [Cases: Wills 628–638. C.J.S. Wills §§ 1320–1379, 1551.]
vested legacy
A legacy given in such a way that the legatee has a fixed, indefeasible right to its payment.