probate

[proh-beyt]

noun

1. Law.,  the official proving of a will as authentic or valid in a probate court.

2. an officially certified copy of a will so proved.

adjective

1. of or relating to probate or a probate court.

verb (used with object)

probated, probating 

1. to establish the authenticity or validity of (a will).

2. Law.,  to put (an offender) on probation.

probate

/ -beɪt, ˈprəʊbɪt /

noun

1. the act or process of officially proving the authenticity and validity of a will

2. 1. the official certificate stating a will to be genuine and conferring on the executors power to administer the estate

   2. the probate copy of a will

3. (in the US) all matters within the jurisdiction of a probate court

4. (modifier) of, relating to, or concerned with probate

   probate value

   a probate court

verb

1. (tr) to establish officially the authenticity and validity of (a will)

Other Word Forms

• unprobated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English probat, from Latin probātum “a thing approved,” noun use of neuter past participle of probāre “to examine, test”; prove

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

C15: from Latin probāre to inspect

Example Sentences

According to an individual who formerly lived there, the detached house is currently vacant, with the property understood to be part of probate - the legal process of dealing with a deceased person's belongings.

Read more on BBC

Delays to probate from this legal action complicate things, but do not necessarily extend the 10-year limit.

Read more on MarketWatch

That typically happens once all of the paperwork has been processed after the conclusion of the probate process.

Read more on MarketWatch

As he died without a will, his apartment manager wouldn’t allow us to retrieve his artwork until a probate court designated an estate executor.

Read more on MarketWatch

It’s time to hire a lawyer and get the ball rolling on probate, and make sure these accounts are dealt with properly.

Read more on MarketWatch