Definition of TESTATOR: (noun) / one who makes and executes a last will and testament, for example, if Tiffany has a will drafted and she executes the will, then Tiffany is referred to as the Testator.  When Tiffany subsequently passes away, she is said to have died “testate”, or with a will.

The word "testatrix" used to be regularly applied as the female equivalent of "testator".  It is less common today especially in the Surrogate's Courts of the 5 boroughs of New York City.  Usage of the suffix "-trix" as applied to any word to indicate the female version is becoming increasingly outdated.  

Daniel R. Antonelli
Representing trust & estate clients with an emphasis on estate litigation in the New York City Metro Area.