dower

[ dou-er ]

noun

1. Law. the portion of a deceased husband's real property allowed to his widow for her lifetime.
2. dowry ( def 1 ).
3. a natural gift or endowment.

verb (used with object)

1. to provide with a dower or dowry.
2. to give as a dower or dowry.

dower

/ ˈdaʊə /

noun

1. the life interest in a part of her husband's estate allotted to a widow by law
2. an archaic word for dowry
3. a natural gift or talent

verb

1. tr to endow

Derived Forms

• ˈdowerless, adjective

Other Words From

• dower·less adjective
• un·dowered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dower¹

1250–1300; Middle English dowere < Old French do ( u ) aire < Medieval Latin dōtārium. See dot ², -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of dower¹

C14: from Old French douaire, from Medieval Latin dōtārium, from Latin dōs gift

Example Sentences

After Martha’s death, a dower slave would be part of the Custis estate once more and passed on to the rightful heir.

From Literature

In 1796, Judge learned of Martha Washington's plan to sign over her dower enslavement to the first lady's granddaughter as a wedding present, ensuring her bondage back in Virginia.

From Salon

Did you know that some of the names belong to people who were “dower slaves,” legally controlled by Martha?

From Washington Post

“To help in raising and dowering her three daughters, as they are soon to be of marriaging age.”

From Literature

Most actors were coming in with this very dower, very reserved, very insular portrayal that didn’t have a lot of character stuff that you could latch onto.

From Los Angeles Times