Definition

Noun: A person who receives property, especially real estate, through a will. In legal terms, a devisee is the beneficiary specifically named to inherit real property from the estate of a deceased person (the testator).

Usage

The term "devisee" is used in legal contexts, particularly in the administration of wills and estates, to identify the recipient of a bequest of real property (land or buildings). It distinguishes this beneficiary from an "heir" (who inherits by law if there is no will) or a "legatee" (who receives personal property).

Examples

• The will clearly stated that his nephew was the sole devisee of the family farm.
• As the named devisee, she had the legal right to take possession of the house after the probate process was complete.
• The lawyer explained the difference between a devisee who inherits real estate and a legatee who inherits cash or personal items.

Advanced Usage

• Residuary devisee: A devisee who is entitled to receive the remainder of the real property in an estate after all specific devises, debts, and taxes have been paid.
  • After the specific parcels of land were distributed, his daughter, as the residuary devisee, received the remaining acreage.
• The relationship is often described as property being "devised to" someone.
  • The estate was devised to his charitable foundation.

Variants and Related Words

• Devise (verb): To give or leave real property to someone by means of a will.
  • He chose to devise his vacation home to his grandchildren.
• Devisor (noun, less common): The person who makes a will and bequeaths the property; the testator.
• Legatee (noun): A person who receives personal property (e.g., money, jewelry, stocks) through a will.
• Beneficiary (noun): A broader term for any person or entity that receives an advantage or benefit, often from a will, trust, or insurance policy.

Synonyms

• Beneficiary (in the context of a will)
• Heir (though this more accurately refers to one who inherits by law, not specifically by a will's terms)
• Recipient (general term)

Antonyms

• Devisor / Testator (the giver)
• Heir-at-law (an heir who would inherit by statute if there were no valid will)

Noun

1. someone to whom property (especially realty) is devised by will