testament

[ tes-tuh-muh nt ]
/ ˈtɛs tə mənt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR testament ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Law.
  1. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.
  2. will2(def 8).
either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new covenant or dispensation.
(initial capital letter) the New Testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.
(initial capital letter) a copy of the New Testament.
a covenant, especially between God and humans.

Origin of testament

1250–1300; Middle English: will, covenant < Latin testāmentum, equivalent to testā(rī) to bear witness (see testate) + -mentum -ment

Words nearby testament

testa, testacean, testaceous, testacy, testalgia, testament, testamentary, testamentary trust, testate, testator, testatrix

Words related to testament

proof, testimonial, testimony, covenant, confirmation, earnest, evidence, will, instrument, attestation, colloquy, demonstration, witness, exemplification

Example sentences from the Web for testament

British Dictionary definitions for testament (1 of 2)

testament
/ (ˈtɛstəmənt) /

noun

law a will setting out the disposition of personal property (esp in the phrase last will and testament)
a proof, attestation, or tribute his success was a testament to his skills
  1. a covenant instituted between God and man, esp the covenant of Moses or that instituted by Christ
  2. a copy of either the Old or the New Testament, or of the complete Bible

Derived forms of testament

testamental, adjective

Word Origin for testament

C14: from Latin: a will, from testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

British Dictionary definitions for testament (2 of 2)

Testament
/ (ˈtɛstəmənt) /

noun

either of the two main parts of the Bible; the Old Testament or the New Testament
the New Testament as distinct from the Old