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

The most appealing part about this is that with these designations you can circumvent the often lengthy and cumbersome probate process.

From Salon

The probate process varies in length, depending on many different factors.

From Salon

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died at age 57 without a will, leading to one of the largest and most complicated probate court proceedings in Minnesota history, as well as infighting among his six siblings during the protracted legal battle over his multimillion-dollar estate.

From Los Angeles Times

Often homes become empty when the owners pass away, leading to a long administrative process known as probate, when their assets are divided up.

From BBC

Probate law needs to be reformed to prevent properties “sitting empty in perpetuity,” he adds, but above all he believes empty homes need to be put back in the spotlight as a national issue.

From BBC