intestate

/ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/

Etymology

From Latin intestātus, from in- (“not”) + testātus (“testate”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix).

adj

  1. Without a valid will indicating whom to leave one's estate to after death.
  2. Not devised or bequeathed; not disposed of by will.

noun

  1. A person who dies without making a valid will.“the surplusages of intestates […]after the expiration of one full year from the death of the intestate is to be distributed : one - third to the widow of the intestate, and the residue in equal proportions to his children ; or if dead to their representatives : that is , their lineal descendants”