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

See Examples For:

nuncupative will

A will of this kind is called a nuncupative will.

From The Government Class Book Designed for the Instruction of Youth in the Principles of Constitutional Government and the Rights and Duties of Citizens. by Andrew W. Young

"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 Arthur Cheney Train

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 Richard Garnett

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 Henry Stevens

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 George Washington Cable