testate

1 of 2

adjective (1)

tes·​tate ˈte-ˌstāt 

-stət

: having left a valid will

she died testate

testate

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: having a firm, external covering : covered with a test (see test entry 4)

naked and testate amoebas

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin testatus, past participle of testari to make a will

Adjective (2)

test entry 4 (or its source New Latin and Latin testa) + -ate entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1886, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

testate

1 of 2 adjective

tes·​tate ˈte-ˌstāt, -stət 

1

: having made a valid will

died testate

2

: disposed of or governed by a will

testate property

a testate estate

testate

2 of 2 noun

: testator

Etymology

Adjective

Latin testatus, past participle of testari to make a will