The word "a will" refers to a legal document in which a person expresses their wishes regarding the distribution of their property and affairs after their death. It is a formal statement that allows individuals to designate who will inherit their belongings, appoint guardians for their children, and specify any other wishes they may have for their estate.
The term "will" comes from the Old English "willan," which means "to wish" or "to want." This reflects the idea that a will expresses a person's wishes regarding their possessions and estate.