testate
/ˈtɛsteɪt
/adjective [predicative]
Having made a valid will before one dies: he desired to die testate...
- The law of in testate succession, that under certain circumstances can be quite confusing, will then determine who inherits how much of the estate.
- If you die testate, then all your possessions will be distributed in the way you set out in your will.
- Currently the rights enjoyed by married couples, such as the automatic right of inheritance in the event of a spouse dying in testate or the right of succession to certain tenancies and to pension funds, are denied to non-married couples.
noun
A person who has died leaving a valid will.
Origin
Late Middle English (as a noun): from Latin testatus 'testified, witnessed', past participle of testari, from testis 'a witness'.