testament

[ tes-tuh-muhnt ]

noun

1. Law.
   1. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.
   2. will ²( def 8 ).
2. either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new covenant or dispensation.
3. (initial capital letter) the New Testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.
4. (initial capital letter) a copy of the New Testament.
5. a covenant, especially between God and humans.

Testament

¹

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. either of the two main parts of the Bible; the Old Testament or the New Testament
2. the New Testament as distinct from the Old

testament

²

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. law a will setting out the disposition of personal property (esp in the phrase last will and testament )
2. a proof, attestation, or tribute

   his success was a testament to his skills

3. 1. a covenant instituted between God and man, esp the covenant of Moses or that instituted by Christ
   2. a copy of either the Old or the New Testament, or of the complete Bible

Derived Forms

• ˌtestaˈmental, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of testament¹

1250–1300; Middle English: will, covenant < Latin testāmentum, equivalent to testā ( rī ) to bear witness ( testate ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of testament¹

C14: from Latin: a will, from testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

Example Sentences

With a shock of long white hair and a long beard, the 67-year-old looks like an Old Testament prophet.

From Los Angeles Times

Jefferson even tried to rewrite the New Testament, albeit stripped of supernatural elements so that Jesus Christ would be a secular philosopher.

From Salon

He cited the New Testament and encouraged action on immigration that lets the country "keep our dignity."

From Salon

Someone even had the good sense to ask him to record all 27 books of the New Testament.

From BBC

Hearing her discuss the Old Testament, Exodus, the pharaohs and Joseph, the pope pronounced her a theologian.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• proof
• testimonial
• testimony