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
She left him two years ago. got her final divorce decree only a fortnight ago, now lives in Los Angeles, hopeless of getting a dower share in his inheritance.
From Time Magazine Archive
Philip Schacca West Hempstead, N. Y. If Terry Moore was validly married to Hughes and no legal divorce was obtained, she is Hughes' widow and entitled to dower or widow's interest.
From Time Magazine Archive
One of those freed was Sambo Andersen, who decided to remain near Mount Vernon because his wife and children were still Custis dower slaves.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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