dower

American  

[dou-er] / ˈdaʊ ər /

noun

1. Law.  the portion of a deceased husband's real property allowed to his widow for her lifetime.

2. dowry.

3. a natural gift or endowment.

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verb (used with object)

1. to provide with a dower or dowry.

2. to give as a dower or dowry.

dower British  

/ ˈdaʊə /

noun

1. the life interest in a part of her husband's estate allotted to a widow by law

2. an archaic word for dowry

3. a natural gift or talent

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verb

1. (tr) to endow

Other Word Forms

• dowerless adjective
• undowered adjective

Etymology

Origin of dower

1250–1300; Middle English dowere < Old French do ( u ) aire < Medieval Latin dōtārium. See dot ², -ary

Example Sentences

In 1796, Judge learned of Martha Washington's plan to sign over her dower enslavement to the first lady's granddaughter as a wedding present, ensuring her bondage back in Virginia.

From Salon

Did you know that some of the names belong to people who were “dower slaves,” legally controlled by Martha?

From Washington Post

Most actors were coming in with this very dower, very reserved, very insular portrayal that didn’t have a lot of character stuff that you could latch onto.

From Los Angeles Times

“In fact, she would have been protected by dower law to have received one-third of his property after he died,” she says.

From National Geographic

In order to qualify as worthy husbands, Singerman says, Egyptian grooms and their families need to save up for dower money or jewellery to give the bride.

From BBC