testator

American  

[tes-tey-ter, te-stey-ter] / ˈtɛs teɪ tər, tɛˈsteɪ tər /

noun

Law.

1. a person who makes a will.

2. a person who has died leaving a valid will.

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testator British  

/ tɛˈsteɪtrɪks, tɛˈsteɪtə /

noun

1. a person who makes a will, esp one who dies testate

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Etymology

Origin of testator

1275–1325; < Latin testātor; testate, -tor; replacing Middle English testatour < Anglo-French

Example Sentences

It would therefore place itself in the "armchair" of the testator and consider the circumstances that surrounded them when they made their will, to assist arriving at their intention.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2013

The wording of a will can also be problematic as words and terms have specific meanings in law, which may be different to their use by the testator in their will.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2013

With it the testator was associated from 1865 until last spring, when he died.

From Time Magazine Archive

An executor can only be appointed by the will of his testator; such appointment may be express or implied, and in the latter case he is said to be an executor “according to the tenor.”

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various

This philanthropic endowment has not been suffered to decay with the romance of olden time, but the charitable intentions of the testator are fulfilled so as to exhibit a lasting record of his active benevolence.

From Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11 Historical, Entertaining & Commercial; Alphabetically Arranged. 11 Volume set. by Dugdale, Thomas Cantrell