Nuncupative (from Latin nuncupare, meaning "to name") has been part of the English language since at least the mid-16th century, most typically appearing in legal contexts as a modifier of the noun "will." The nuncupative will originated in Roman law, where it consisted of an oral declaration made in the presence of seven witnesses and later presented before a magistrate. Currently, nuncupative wills are allowed in some U.S. states in extreme circumstances, such as imminent peril of death from a terminal illness or from military or maritime service. Such wills are dictated orally but are usually required to be set down in writing within a statutorily specified time period, such as 30 days. Witnesses are required, though the number seven is no longer specified.
Examples of nuncupative in a Sentence
the soldier left a nuncupative will that was witnessed by two of his comrades
Medieval Latin nuncupativus, from Late Latin, so-called, from Latin nuncupatus, past participle of nuncupare to name, probably ultimately from nomen name + capere to take — more at name, heave
Medieval Latin nuncupativus, from Late Latin, so-called, from Latin nuncupatus, past participle of nuncupare to name, probably ultimately from nomen name + capere to take