Etymologically
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testor

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 15:23. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈtɛs.tɔr][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈtɛs.tor][1]

Forms

testor (present infinitive testārī, perfect active testātus sum); first conjugation, deponent[1] Active forms such as testem appear in Maecenas.[2]

Etymology

It is from testis “witness”.[2][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from Plautus, of calling someone to witness.[2] Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.[3]

Semantic evolution

It meant to call a person or god to witness, as in Plautus, and in Cicero to declare solemnly, testify, and to make a will before witnesses.[2] In Ovid it meant to give evidence of something by one's actions or condition.[2]

It survives in Italian testare and Spanish testar “to make a will”.[1] Its participle testātus gave English testate in the late 15th century, and its noun testāmentum gave English testament in the late 13th century.[4]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of calling to witness.[2][3]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of testifying and making a will.[2][3]
  • late 13th century – English testament is recorded.[4]

Meanings

Verb

  1. To call to witness.[2]
  2. To declare solemnly, testify.[2]
  3. To make a will.[2]
  4. To show, demonstrate.[2]

Word family

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com