testamental

Testamental is an English adjective with two primary senses. In legal usage it means pertaining to a will or testament. In religious and historical contexts it can mean pertaining to the Testaments, especially the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The more common legal term is testamentary; testamental is rarer and appears mainly in older or scholarly writing.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Medieval Latin testamentalis, from Latin testamentum “will, covenant, testament,” linked to the notion of a formal declaration witnessed by witnesses. In English, testamental formed part of earlier legal style and sometimes appears in discussions of property disposition or probate, but it is largely superseded by testamentary in contemporary usage. In theological contexts it may describe matters related to the Testaments or to biblical canons, especially in historical or critical works.

Usage notes and examples: When describing a will, prefer “testamentary” (e.g., testamentary dispositions, testamentary trust). When discussing biblical literature or themes connected to the Testaments, “testamental” may appear (e.g., testamental prophets, testamental canon). In modern reference works, “testamental” is treated as rare or archaic in the sense of a will, and “testamentary” is the standard adjective.

See also: testament, will, last will and testament, testamentary disposition, testamentary trust.