First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
testament
noun tes·ta·ment \ˈtes-tə-mənt\
: proof or evidence that something exists or is true
law : the legal instructions in which you say who should receive your property, possessions, etc., after you die
Full Definition of TESTAMENT
1
a archaic : a covenant between God and the human race b capitalized : either of two main divisions of the Bible
2
a : a tangible proof or tribute b : an expression of conviction : creed
3
a : an act by which a person determines the disposition of his or her property after death b : will
— tes·ta·men·ta·ry \ˌtes-tə-ˈmen-tə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adjective
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Origin of TESTAMENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin testamentum covenant with God, holy scripture, from Latin, last will, from testari to be a witness, call to witness, make a will, from testis witness; akin to Latin tres three & to Latin stare to stand; from the witness's standing by as a third party in a litigation — more at three, stand
Related to TESTAMENT
- Synonyms
- attestation, confirmation, corroboration, documentation, evidence, substantiation, proof, testimonial, testimony, validation, voucher, witness
- Antonyms
- disproof
Other Bible Terms
TESTAMENT Defined for Kids
testament
noun tes·ta·ment \ˈte-stə-mənt\
Definition of TESTAMENT for Kids
1
: either of two main parts (Old Testament and New Testament) of the Bible
2
: 2will 4
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