dower chest

American  

noun

1. a Pennsylvania Dutch hope chest bearing the initials of the owner.

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Etymology

Origin of dower chest

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

In her dower chest, beneath the piles of heavy, yellowed linen, was a small jewel case.

From A Spinner in the Sun by Reed, Myrtle

They set aside a few of their most precious belongings to be stored, like Grandma's grandma's painted dower chest, full of treasures, and Grandpa's tall desk and Rose-Ellen's dearest doll.

From Across the Fruited Plain by Means, Florence Crannell

This is considered one of the best examples of chests in existence, being wonderfully carved, of solid oak, and probably used originally as a dower chest.

From Remodeled Farmhouses by Northend, Mary H.

He wouldn't wait for the filling of a dower chest.

From Mary Ware's Promised Land by Goss, John

It and her ebony chairs, her claw-footed tables, her harp and dower chest, had come with her from France.

From Old Kaskaskia by Catherwood, Mary Hartwell