dower

1 of 2

noun

dow·​er ˈdau̇(-ə)r 

1

: the part of or interest in the real estate of a deceased spouse given by law to the surviving spouse during the surviving spouse's life compare curtesy

2

: dowry sense 1

dower

2 of 2

verb

dowered; dowering; dowers

transitive verb

: to supply with a dower or dowry : endow

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dowere, from Anglo-French dower, douaire, from Medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dot-, dos gift, marriage portion — more at date

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

dower

noun

dow·​er ˈdau̇-ər 

: the life estate in a man's real property to which his wife is entitled upon his death under common law and some state statutes compare curtesy, elective share

Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French, from Old French douaire, modification of Medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dot-, dos gift, dowry