noun
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the life interest in a part of her husband's estate allotted to a widow by law
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an archaic word for dowry
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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
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Vocabulary from the Magna Carta, List 2
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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
Its gaily painted kitchen cabinets, dower chests, desks and tables, Bethlehem painted glass, grotesque Germanic Toby jugs and brightly colored tinware are far more colorful than the prim, functional antiques of New England.
From Time Magazine Archive
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
As a dower slave from the Custis estate, Betty had come to Mount Vernon after George and Martha married in 1759, moving there with her mistress.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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