Dictionary-Definition.com :: Probate definition

Definition of 'probate'

noun

A judicial certificate saying that a will is genuine and conferring on the executors the power to administer the estate [syn: probate, probate will]

noun

The act of proving that an instrument purporting to be a will was signed and executed in accord with legal requirements

verb

Put a convicted person on probation by suspending his sentence

verb

Establish the legal validity of (wills and other documents)

From: GCIDE

Probate \Pro"bate\, a. Of or belonging to a probate, or court of probate; as, a probate record. [1913 Webster]
Probate Court, or Court of Probate, a court for the probate of wills.
Probate duty, a government tax on property passing by will. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Probate \Pro"bate\, v. t. To obtain the official approval of, as of an instrument purporting to be the last will and testament; as, the executor has probated the will. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Probate \Pro"bate\, n. [From L. probatus, p. p. of probare to prove. See Prove.] [1913 Webster]
1. Proof. [Obs.] --Skelton. [1913 Webster]
2. (Law) (a) Official proof; especially, the proof before a competent officer or tribunal that an instrument offered, purporting to be the last will and testament of a person deceased, is indeed his lawful act; the copy of a will proved, under the seal of the Court of Probate, delivered to the executors with a certificate of its having been proved. --Bouvier. --Burrill. (b) The right or jurisdiction of proving wills. [1913 Webster]