testator
UK: teˈsteɪtə | US: ˈtɛsteɪtər
n. a person who has made a valid will before death
testator = test<witness> + ator<agent noun suffix>
- test (from Latin testis, meaning "witness")
- ator (Latin agent noun suffix, equivalent to "-er" in English, indicating "one who does something")
Etymology Origin:
The word "testator" originates from Latin testator, meaning "one who makes a will." It combines testis ("witness") with the agent suffix -ator, reflecting the legal act of witnessing or declaring one's will. The term evolved through Old French testateur before entering English, retaining its core meaning of a person who formally bequeaths property.
The testator signed the will in the presence of two witnesses.
A testator must be of sound mind when drafting a will.
The lawyer confirmed the identity of the deceased testator.
The court examined whether the testator was under undue influence.
The testator’s heirs disputed the validity of the document.