conditional bequest

conditional bequest n. in a will, a gift which will take place only if a particular event has occurred by the time the maker of the will dies. Example: I write in my will that "Griselda will receive the nursery furniture if she has children at the time of my death." This is slightly different from an executory bequest, which could provide for a gift to a beneficiary upon the happening of a specified event. Example: a trust provides "Betty shall receive the house held in trust when she marries." (See: bequest)