noun
testator
tes-TAY-ter/tɛˈsteɪtər/
A person who has made a legally valid will.
The testator signs her will in front of two witnesses.
Etymology
The pieces identify the person who performs the act of making a will. The legal sense preserves this direct connection: the testator declares how the estate is to be disposed of.
In context
it needs to be in writing, clearly state its purpose to amend a specific will, and be signed by you, the testator, in the presence of witnesses.
More examples
- A testator can revise a will when circumstances change.
- The lawyer explains how the will reflects the testator's wishes.
- Many testators name an alternate executor in their wills.
Forms
testator · testators
testate adjective — Having made a legally valid will.
Similar words
- will maker
- A plain-language alternative to the legal term testator.