What term describes the transfer of real or personal property through a will?

The term that describes the transfer of real or personal property through a will is "devise." A devise specifically refers to the act of leaving real estate to a beneficiary in a will. It is used to denote the gift of land or real property, distinguishing it from personal property transfers, which may use terms like "bequest."

In a will, when the testator (the person creating the will) specifies that a certain property is to go to a particular individual, this is termed as devising that property. This legal term helps clarify the intentions of the testator regarding their estate after their passing.

While "bequest" might also appear relevant, it typically pertains to the transfer of personal property, not real property, making it distinct from "devise." "Conveyance" and "deed" are both broader legal terms related to the transfer of property; however, they do not specifically define the action within the context of a will. "Conveyance" refers to the act of transferring ownership, while a "deed" is a legal document that formalizes that transfer. Thus, "devise" is the precise term for property transfer as specified within the confines of a will.