noun
-
the life interest in a part of her husband's estate allotted to a widow by law
-
an archaic word for dowry
-
a natural gift or talent
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dower
1250–1300; Middle English dowere < Old French do ( u ) aire < Medieval Latin dōtārium. See dot 2, -ary
Vocabulary lists containing dower
Selection Vocabulary 4, Unit 5
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary from the Magna Carta, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Visitors made note of his slaves, and the vast number of "dower" slaves at Mount Vernon estate.
From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2020
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 ● Oct. 30, 2015
Sister Hetty's counsel moved to dismiss the objections, alleging Mrs. Green was no interested party in the probate because of a prenuptial agreement in which she waived dower rights for $1,500 per month for life.
From Time Magazine Archive
She will bring him a dower of $25,000 a year.
From Time Magazine Archive
When Martha Washington died in May 1802, some of the Custis dower slaves were divided among her four grandchildren, and others were freed.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
