Bequest, n.
Etymology: [OE. biquest, corrupted fr. bequide; pref. be- + AS. cwide a saying, becwe to bequeath. The ending -est is probably due to confusion with quest. See Bequeath, Quest.]
1. The act of bequeathing or leaving by will; as, a bequest of property by A. to B.
2. That which is left by will, esp. personal property; a legacy; also, a gift.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Bequest, v. t.
To bequeath, or leave as a legacy. [Obs.] "All I have to bequest." Gascoigne.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for bequest; he lists it under gift.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.