nuncupative will

American  

noun

Law.

1. a will made by the oral and unwritten declaration of the testator, valid only in special circumstances.

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Etymology

Origin of nuncupative will

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Then he sat down, bent low to the desk, and wrote on a blank form the preamble of a nuncupative will.

From Strange True Stories of Louisiana by Cable, George Washington

He nevertheless left, exclusive of household goods, about £900, which, by a nuncupative will made in July, 1674, he had wholly bequeathed to his wife.

From Life of John Milton by Garnett, Richard

In a nuncupative will spoken the 14th ofApril, a copy of which is before the writer, he left his books and manuscripts to the Sion Col ege Library.

From Thomas Hariot, the Mathematician, the Philosopher and the Scholar by Stevens, Henry

"It is true that under certain exceptional circumstances a man may make what is known as a nuncupative will."

From By Advice of Counsel by Train, Arthur Cheney

But a wish is one thing; a will, even a nuncupative will by public act, is another and an infinitely better and more effective thing.

From Strange True Stories of Louisiana by Cable, George Washington