discovert

[ dis-kuhv-ert ]

adjective

, Law.

1. (of a woman) not covert; not under the protection of a husband.

discovert

/ dɪsˈkʌvət /

adjective

1. law (of a woman) not under the protection of a husband; being a widow, spinster, or divorcée

Derived Forms

• disˈcoverture, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discovert¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French discoverte, descoverte (feminine adj.). See dis- ¹, covert

Word History and Origins

Origin of discovert¹

C14: from Old French descovert, past participle of descouvrir to discover

Example Sentences

But we’re to dae’t wi’oot loss o’ life on oor ain part, if possible; ye’ll therefore approach the place cannily and get as close up to it as maybe wi’oot bein’ discovert; and, that done, ye’ll be pleased tae keek roun’ and ascertain if there’s ony way o’ gettin’ intil it wi’oot haein’ to stor–r–m it.

From Project Gutenberg

Ze zeegret dat Cap’en Shackzon tell to me vas dat he hat discovert von dreazure in a cave in ze islant von day dat he vas plown into ze bay in a squall; and ven he vas go back to Guayaquil, he vas charter ze schgooners to zail back to ze islant again.

From Project Gutenberg

Rosalynde returning home from the triumph, after she waxed solitary, love presented her with the idea of Rosader's perfection, and taking her at discovert struck her so deep, as she felt herself grow passing passionate.

From Project Gutenberg

Thereon James rose to reply in terms of elephantine eloquence, and would have gone through the whole case again had not Lady Holmhurst in despair pulled him by the sleeve and told him that he must propose her health, which he did with sincerity, lightly alluding to the fact that she was a widow by describing her as being in a "discovert condition, with all the rights and responsibilities of a 'femme sole.'"

From Project Gutenberg