dower

1 of 2

noun

dow·​er ˈdau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce dower (audio)
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

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

Dictionary Entries Near dower

Cite this Entry

“Dower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dower. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

dower

noun
dow·​er ˈdau̇-ər How to pronounce dower (audio)
: 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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