/ ˈlegəsi; NAmE / noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
money or property that is given to you by sb when they die
SYN inheritance :
They each received a legacy of $5 000.
2.
a situation that exists now because of events, actions, etc. that took place in the past :
Future generations will be left with a legacy of pollution and destruction.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (also denoting the function or office of a deputy, especially a papal legate): from Old French legacie , from medieval Latin legatia legateship, from legatus person delegated, past participle of legare depute, delegate, bequeath.