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
Wealthy "Daddy" Browning married her in 1926 when she was 15, cut her out of his will before he died in 1934, but she got dower rights of $5,000 a year.
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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