probate

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a judicial certificate saying that a will is genuine and conferring on the executors the power to administer the estate
noun the act of proving that an instrument purporting to be a will was signed and executed in accord with legal requirements
verb put a convicted person on probation by suspending his sentence

From Middle English probate, from Latin probatus, past participle of probare (“to test, examine, judge of”); see probe, prove.

They were not disclosed by me until probate had been granted.” “Thank you,” said the coroner. — Helen Vardon's confession, R. Austin (Richard Austin) Freeman
‘Wot we rekvire, sir, is a probe o’ this here.’ ‘Probate, my dear Sir, probate,’ said Pell. — The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens
He was introduced in a humorous and effective speech by Captain Culver, Judge of the Probate Court. — Sword and Pen: Ventures and Adventures of Willard Glazier, John Algernon Owens

probate will

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