Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor from the past. The family legacy included a large estate and several heirlooms.
A gift of property, especially personal property, as money, by will; a bequest. She left a legacy of $10,000 to her favorite charity.
A long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc., that took place in the past. The legacy of the civil rights movement is still evident in today's society.
A student or applicant to a school or university who is given preferential admission consideration because a parent or other relative is an alumnus. The college accepts a higher percentage of legacies than non-legacy applicants.