Daily AncestorTestator
A testator is a person who made a will; in older records it usually means a man, while a woman who made a will is called a testatrix.
Testator comes from the Latin used in civil law and means one who makes, or has made, a will, or who dies leaving one. Black's Law Dictionary gives both senses.
To make a valid will the testator had to be of legal age and of sound mind. Today testator is used for anyone; older records kept testatrix for women.
As seen in a recordProbate of a will, county court minutes, 1800s
the said testator being of sound and disposing mind and memory
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Testator." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/legal-land/testator. Last checked 2026-10-10.