intestate

[in-tes-teyt, -tit] /ɪnˈtɛs teɪt, -tɪt/
adjective
1.
(of a person) not having made a will:
to die intestate.
2.
(of things) not disposed of by will:
Her property remains intestate.
noun
3.
a person who dies intestate.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English < Latin intestātus, equivalent to in- in-3 + testātus testate
Can be confused
interstate, intestate, intrastate.
Examples from the web for intestate
  • The intestate succession law approximates the likely intent of an intestate decedent.
British Dictionary definitions for intestate

intestate

/ɪnˈtɛsteɪt; -tɪt/
adjective
1.
  1. (of a person) not having made a will
  2. (of property) not disposed of by will
noun
2.
a person who dies without having made a will
Compare testate
Derived Forms
intestacy, noun
Word Origin
C14: from Latin intestātus, from in-1 + testātus, from testārī to bear witness, make a will, from testis a witness
Word Origin and History for intestate
adj.

late 14c., from Old French intestat (13c.) and directly from Latin intestatus "having made no will," from in- "not" (see in- (1)) + testatus, past participle of testari "make a will, bear witness" (see testament). As a noun, "one who has not made out a will," from 1650s.