dower
1 of 2noun
dow·er ˈdau̇(-ə)r 
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
: dowry sense 1
dower
2 of 2verb
dowered; dowering; dowers
transitive verb
: to supply with a dower or dowry : endow
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
CBS News, 10 July 2022 Many of his own slaves have married the dower slaves, and those marriages will be broken up. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 13 Feb. 2020
Noun
There was this sort of really dower, quite, sort of depressed mood in the building at that time. CBS News, 10 July 2022 Many of his own slaves have married the dower slaves, and those marriages will be broken up. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 13 Feb. 2020 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
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
dowers
noun
as in dowries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- dowries
- endowments
- largesses
- bestowals
- benevolences
- gifts
- benefactions
- donatives
- alms
- tithes
- oblations
- offerings
- presents
- contributions
- grants
- doles
- donations
- freebies
- presentations
- beneficences
- freebees
- foys
- care packages
- handsels
- comps
- subsidies
- charities
- windfalls
- generosities
- giveaways
- philanthropies
- tributes
- handouts
- fairings
- bonuses
- sacrifices
- valentines
- lagniappes
- remembrances
- boxes
- courtesies
- boons
- tips
- propines
- favors
- gratuities
