probate court

American  

noun

1. a special court with power over administration of estates of deceased persons, the probate of wills, etc.

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probate court Cultural  

1. A court that has jurisdiction over wills, estates, and guardianship of children.

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Etymology

Origin of probate court

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

Accordingly, a few weeks after Albert died, Mary Erskine went one day in a wagon, taking the baby with her, and Thomas to drive, to the county town, where the Probate court was held.

From Mary Erskine by Abbott, Jacob

Another document was a minister's license issued by the Probate court of Jefferson county authorizing him to perform marriage ceremonies.

From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Ohio Narratives by Work Projects Administration

At the Probate court, Mary Erskine made all the arrangements necessary in respect to the estate.

From Mary Erskine by Abbott, Jacob