probate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprəʊbeɪt/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the official proving of a will: the house has been valued for probate
  • [count noun] a verified copy of a will with a certificate as handed to the executors: she has been granted a probate to execute her late father’s estate

verb

[with object] North American
  • establish the validity of (a will).

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin probatum 'something proved', neuter past participle of probare 'to test, prove'