testament

[tes-tuh-muhnt]

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.

testament

¹

/ 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

Testament

²

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• testamental adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of testament¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of testament¹

C14: from Latin: a will, from testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

Example Sentences

That Birkin went on to have a solid career in film, music and theater, outlasting the short shelf life of a typical It Girl, is a testament to her talent, ambition and enduring allure.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Disputes between UK courts and Strasbourg can be worked through too - what happened following the John Hirst case is testament to this.

Read more on BBC

For Lauper, the real testament to her achievement with “Time After Time” is the dozens of covers of the song that have been performed since she wrote it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For many, Kimmel’s rebound appears to be a win for free speech and a testament to the power of boycotts against powerful corporate interests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In court filings, lawyers described Combs' incarceration as "life changing, productive, and a testament to his desire to return to his family and community and lead the best life possible."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• proof 
• testimonial 
• testimony