testament

American  

[tes-tuh-muhnt] / ˈtɛs tə mənt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.

   2. will.

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.

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testament ¹ British  

/ 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

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Testament ² British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• testamental adjective

Etymology

Origin of testament

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

Example Sentences

That he didn’t just crush the egg and spit it out is testament either to his dedication or his madness.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Tow” is a testament to following your favorite performers to the ends of the Earth, just to see what absurd things they may do next.

From Salon

Though Brendon faced challenges in his life and career, his work on Buffy remains a testament to his ability to connect with audiences through humor, loyalty, and emotional honesty.

From Salon

Calvert-Lewin's England recall is testament to the striker's self-belief and desire to emerge from the dark times of seasons when he struggled with injury.

From BBC

It’s also a testament to bygone stigmas and ascendant trends in American dining.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• proof
• testimonial
• testimony