The words and expressions herein-after mentioned, which in their ordinary signification have a more confined or a different meaning, shall in this Act, except where the nature of the provision or the context of the Act shall exclude such construction, be interpreted as follows; (that is to say,) the word “will” shall extend to a testament, and to a codicil, and to an appointment by will or by writing in the nature of a will in exercise of a power, [F1and also to an appointment by will of a guardian of a child], . . . F2 and to any other testamentary disposition; and the words “real estate” shall extend to manors, advowsons, messuages, lands, tithes, rents, and hereditaments, . . . F2 whether corporeal, incorporeal, or personal, [F3and to any undivided share thereof,] and to any estate, right, or interest (other than a chattel interest) therein; and the words “personal estate” shall extend to leasehold estates and other chattels real, and also to monies, shares of government and other funds, securities for money (not being real estates), debts, choses in action, rights, credits, goods, and all other property whatsoever which by law devolves upon the executor or administrator, and to any share or interest therein; and every word importing the singular number only shall extend and be applied to several persons or things as well as one person or thing; and every word importing the masculine gender only shall extend and be applied to a female as well as a male.
Textual Amendments
F1Words substituted by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(5)(6), Sch. 13 para. 1: S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2) (with Sch. 14 para. 1(1))
F2Words repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1969 (c. 52), Sch. Pt. III
F3Words in s. 1 repealed (E.W.) (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art. 2