pro·bate 
(prōbāt′)
(prōbāt′)n.
1. The legal process by which the validity of a will is established.
2. Judicial certification of the validity of a will.
tr.v. pro·bat·ed, pro·bat·ing, pro·bates
To establish the validity of (a will) by probate.
adj.
Of or relating to probate or to a probate court: probate law; a probate judge.
[Middle English probat, from Latin probātum, neuter past participle of probāre, to prove; see PROVE.]