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

This doctrine is only applied where “a general intention of charity is manifest” in the will, and not where one particular object only was present to the mind of the testator.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8 "Cube" to "Daguerre, Louis" by Various

In the construction of a will, the intention of the testator is to be ascertained; and the same rules apply in the just interpretation of every law.

From Trial of the Officers and Crew of the Privateer Savannah, on the Charge of Piracy, in the United States Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York by Warburton, A. F.