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.