testament

Definition

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).

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 (“I am a witness, testify, attest, make a will”), from testis (“one who attests, a witness”).

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "These ads are a sad testament to the paper's attitude toward gay men, and a disheartening indication of the direction GCN may be going."

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