testament
noun
- legal document
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈtɛs.tə.mənt/ / /ˈtes.tə.mənt/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English testament, from Old French testament, from Latin testāmentum (“the publication of a will, a will, testament, in Late Latin one of the divisions of the Bible”), from testor (“to be a witness, testify, attest, make a will”), from testis (“one who attests, a witness”).
- A solemn, authentic instrument in writing, by which a person declares his or her will as to disposal of his or her inheritance (estate and effects) after his or her death, benefiting specified heir(s).
- One of the two parts to the scriptures of the Christian religion: the New Testament, considered by Christians to be a continuation of the Hebrew scriptures, and the Hebrew scriptures themselves, which they refer to as the Old Testament.
- A tangible proof or tribute.
“The ancient aqueducts are a testament to the great engineering skill of the Roman Empire.”
“His remarkable recovery is a testament to the doctor's skill.”
- A credo, expression of conviction.
“The prime minister's speech was a glowing testament to the cabinet's undying commitment to the royal cause.”
verb
Etymology: From Middle English testament, from Old French testament, from Latin testāmentum (“the publication of a will, a will, testament, in Late Latin one of the divisions of the Bible”), from testor (“to be a witness, testify, attest, make a will”), from testis (“one who attests, a witness”).
- To make a will.
- To bequeath or leave by will.