[tes.ti.mo.ny] n, pl -nies [ME, fr. LL & L; LL testimonium Decalogue, fr. L, evidence, witness, fr. testis witness--more at testament] (14c) 1 a (1): the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law (2): the ark containing the tablets b: a divine decree attested in the Scriptures
2. a: firsthand authentication of a fact: evidence b: an outward sign c: a solemn declaration usu. made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official 3 a: an open acknowledgment b: a public profession of religious experience