probate

[ proh-beyt ]

noun

1. Law. the official proving of a will as authentic or valid in a probate court.
2. an officially certified copy of a will so proved.

adjective

1. of or relating to probate or a probate court.

verb (used with object)

, pro·bat·ed, pro·bat·ing.

1. to establish the authenticity or validity of (a will).
2. Law. to put (an offender) on probation.

probate

/ -beɪt; ˈprəʊbɪt /

noun

1. the act or process of officially proving the authenticity and validity of a will
2. 1. the official certificate stating a will to be genuine and conferring on the executors power to administer the estate
   2. the probate copy of a will
3. (in the US) all matters within the jurisdiction of a probate court
4. modifier of, relating to, or concerned with probate

   a probate court

   probate value

verb

1. tr to establish officially the authenticity and validity of (a will)

Other Words From

• un·probat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English probat, from Latin probātum “a thing approved,” noun use of neuter past participle of probāre “to examine, test”; prove

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

C15: from Latin probāre to inspect

Example Sentences

In 2005, when I was at the Los Angeles Times, I was part of a team that investigated what California calls probate conservatorship.

From ProPublica

The photo was discovered in the soldier’s effects and admitted to probate.

From Ozy

Chadwick Boseman’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, recently filed a probate case to ask a judge to make her an administrator with limited authority of his estate, which is reportedly worth nearly $1 million.

From Essence.com

The commission also provided lawyers for cases involving juveniles, probate and other legal issues.

From ProPublica

The probate judge appointed the father as required by state law.

From No Straight News

His wife, Anna Zubkova, is running as a Democrat for a probate judge seat in Plainfield, Conn.

From The Daily Beast

Or imposing an inheritance tax, which means most apartments will no longer pass to children without probate.

From The Daily Beast

On Feb. 1, 2008, a Los Angeles probate judge granted the conservatorship and issued a restraining order against Lutfi.

From The Daily Beast

At the same time, the Supreme White Alliance acknowledged that Cowart was indeed a “probate member.”

From The Daily Beast

“And the matter of the will was all disposed of by the probate judge today, I hear,” said the judge, his hand on the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence to Tom Trice for the probate of the will and had it done to my mind, which did give my father and me good content.

From Project Gutenberg

The judicial powers of the assistants or upper House of Assembly ceased, though they still continued to act as a court of probate.

From Project Gutenberg

The library is said to have been valued for probate at about £70,000.

From Project Gutenberg

Billy Clagget put out his shingle as notary public, and Gus Oliver put out his as probate judge.

From Project Gutenberg