TESTIMONY


Meaning of TESTIMONY in English

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

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.