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

She would settle herself in the dower house which is almost as fine as Hunsdon Towers.

From The Gorgeous Isle A Romance; Scene: Nevis, B.W.I. 1842 by Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn

It has been used as a dower house in the family for many years; and, pending the search for your father, I obtained permission for them to continue to reside there.

From With Kitchener in the Soudan A Story of Atbara and Omdurman by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

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.

The question was whether I should be taken to the house her step-mother occupied at Bedley Corner, the Carnaby dower house, or down to Carnaby's place at Easting.

From Tono Bungay by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

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