a. and sb. Also 6–7 legatarie, 6, 8 legatory, (7 ligatory, 8 legotary). [ad. L. lēgātārius, f. lēgāt-um a bequest, f. lēgāre to bequeath.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to a bequest; of the nature of a bequest.
1676. R. Dixon, Two Testaments, 30. The Promissory and Legatary part thereof [Gods Testament] was the second time confirmed by a solemn Oath.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), VI. 201. The testator intended to use his subsequent words of recommendation in a legatary sense.
B. sb. One to whom a bequest is left; a legatee.
1542. Recorde, Gr. Artes (1575), 411. The mind of the Testatour is to be taken fauorably, for the ayde of the legatories [1646 ligatories] when there ryseth suche doubts.
1570. Dee, Math. Pref., 11. Contributed by the legataries to the heire.
1615. Donne, Serm., cxlii. V. 538. But if those goods be liable to other debts, the legataries shall have no profit.
1700. Rhode Isl. Col. Rec. (1858), III. 424. If any executor shall refuse or neglect to appear … upon the complaint of a legatory.
1726. Ayliffe, Parergon, 21. As when a Man makes his Debtor his universal Heir or Legatary.
1795. Wythe, Decis. Virginia, 26. The Law supposes the benevolence of the testator toward the legatary to have continued.
1802. Levity & Sorrow, II. 148 (F.H.) Legatary.
