dower

1 of 2

noun

dow·er ˈdau̇(-ə)r

: 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

: 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

Time Traveler

The first known use of dower was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Dower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dower. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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

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dower

noun

verb

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near dower

Cite this Entry

Legal Definition