pro·bate 
(pr
ōb
āt
′)
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.]