DOWER Definition & Meaning

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dower

[ dou-er ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

verb (used with object)

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

dower

/ ˈ�岹ʊə /

noun

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

verb

tr to endow

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Derived Forms

ˈ��Ƿɱ��, adjective

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��Ƿ�İ�·�� adjective
�ܲ�·��Ƿ�İ�� adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of dower¹

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

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of dower¹

C14: from Old French douaire, from Medieval Latin ��ō��ܳ�, from Latin ��ō�� gift

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Example Sentences

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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