testacy

[ tes-tuh-see ]

noun

1. the state of being testate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of testacy¹

First recorded in 1860–65; test(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

And this system tends to be perpetuated by the natural and laudable desire of every man to leave his children after his death as well off as himself, thus creating laws regarding testacy and intestacy of a character to secure this.

From Project Gutenberg

Although Author Menchin, a Wall Street financial writer and dabbler in testacy, punningly complains that will writing is "a dying art," this collection of "wills, odd and curious," leaves little doubt that in any era, where there's a will there's a way to get even.

From Time Magazine Archive

All men at all times will doubtless prefer chalking out the destination of their substance to having that office performed for them by the law; but the Roman passion for Testacy is distinguished from the mere desire to indulge caprice by its intensity; and it has of course nothing whatever in common with that pride of family, exclusively the creation of feudalism, which accumulates one description of property in the hands of a single representative.

From Project Gutenberg

We might have assumed à priori that the passion for Testacy was generated by some moral injustice entailed by the rules of Intestate succession; and here we find them at variance with the very instinct by which early society was cemented together.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: intestate, intestacy, testate, testacy, testamentary, testator, testatrix, surrogate, bequeathable, bequeather, bequeathment, bequest, codicil, devisee, devisor, intestable, legacy, legatee, legator, testable, nuncupative. will, v. bequeath, devise, leave; decree, ordain, direct, order; wish, desire, want. willful, a. refractory, headstrong, perverse, disobedient, inflexible. willing, a. disposed, voluntary, desirous. willingness, n. readiness, disposition, alacrity. will-o'-the-wisp, n. ignis fatuus, Jack-o'-lantern, Jack-with-a-lantern. willow, n. osier.

From Project Gutenberg