ˈtestəˌmōnē, -ni, US also & Brit usually -_mən- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin testimonium Decalogue, tablets of the Decalogue (translation of Hebrew 'ēdūth, literally, witness, testimony), from Latin, witness, evidence, from testis witness — more at testament
1.
a. : the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law or the ark containing them
you shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you — Exod 25:16 (Revised Standard Version)
encamp around the tabernacle of the testimony — Num 1:53 (Revised Standard Version)
b. : the word of God as contained in the Scriptures
enriched the book with a number of testimonies from the Old Testament — Interpreter's Bible
2.
a. : firsthand authentication of a fact : evidence , witness
that he was impressive in bearing was … the common testimony of all who met him — W.J.Ghent
the testimony of the great geologist … confirmed the new thesis — R.W.Murray
eruptions … bear vivid testimony to this upward concentration of gas in a magma column — Howel Williams
b. : something that serves as an outward sign : proof , symbol
his own unpretentious clarity is … testimony to his discipline — Irwin Edman
the new library, which he hopes will remain a testimony to his brief career as acting president — F.J.Hoffman
c. : a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official
power to administer oaths and take testimony — Harvard Law Review
testimony before a grand jury is secret — Brian Gilbert
3.
a. : an open acknowledgement : profession ; specifically : testimonial 2c
there is no ordained ministry; services consist of prayer, testimony , and readings — F.S.Mead
b. archaic : an expression of disapproval : protest
uplifting her voice in many a testimony against it — Elizabeth C. Gaskell
4. : a written attestation : certificate