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

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)

This dower house Mrs. Gladstone converted into a training home for the girls, under the charge of a very charming nurse of her own children, who had lately married.

From McClure's Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 3, August, 1893 by Various

Whenever Philip married, she would find it no hardship at all to retire to the dower house at the edge of the park.

From Lady Merton, Colonist by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

What I propose is that your father and mother shall come home and take possession of the dower house, and that your father should act as my agent.

From Maori and Settler A Story of The New Zealand War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

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