dower

Meanings

Noun

• The part of or interest in a deceased husband's property provided to his widow, usually in the form of a life estate.
• Property given by a groom directly to his bride at or before their wedding in order to legitimize the marriage; dowry.
• That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.

Verb

• To give a dower or dowry.
• To endow.

Related

Opposite words

• curtesy

Origin

• From Middle English dower, dowere, from Old French doeire, from Medieval Latin dōtārium, from Latin dōs.