Pro"bate (?), n. [From L.
probatus, p. p. of probare to prove. See
Prove.]
1. Proof. [Obs.] Skelton.
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.
Pro"bate, a. Of or belonging to a
probate, or court of probate; as, a probate record.
Probate Court, or Court of
Probate, a court for the probate of wills. --
Probate duty, a government tax on property
passing by will. [Eng.]
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.