dower house

American  

noun

British.

1. the dwelling that is intended for or occupied by the widowed mother of the owner of an ancestral estate.

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dower house British  

noun

1. a house set apart for the use of a widow, often on her deceased husband's estate

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Etymology

Origin of dower house

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dower house

The two aunts of these young ladies lived for many years in the dower house upon my estate in Hampshire.

From Anna the Adventuress by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)

Your uncle says your grandmother left your father her dower house and estate, because she knew his father would cut him off.

From Freckles by Stratton-Porter, Gene

It happened that the old lady's dower house was at Stevening, some fourteen or fifteen miles from Exham Park.

From Miss Arnott's Marriage by Marsh, Richard

Would Aldous insist on carrying his wife off to the dower house on the other side of the estate? or would they be content to stay in the old place with the old people?

From Marcella by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

No doubt it was the recognised dower house, but nevertheless there was still about it a flavour of Farmer Price.

From Is He Popenjoy? by Trollope, Anthony