| 释义 |
dow·er
I. \ˈdau̇(ə)r, ˈdau̇ə\ noun
or dow·ry \ˈdau̇(ə)rē, -ri\
(plural dowers or dowries)
Etymology: dower from Middle English dowere, dowaire, from Middle French douaire, from Old French doaire, douaire, modification (influenced by Old French doer, douer to endow, from Latin dotare, from dot-, dos) of Medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dot-, dos gift, dower + -arium -ary; dowry from Middle English dowarie, from Anglo-French, irregular from Medieval Latin dotarium; akin to Greek dōs gift, Latin dare to give — more at date
1. usually dower : the portion of or interest in the real estate of a deceased husband that is given by law to his widow during her life
2.
a. usually dowry : the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage : a bride's portion : dot
b. usually dowry : a gift of property by a man to or for his bride
< ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give …; but give me the damsel to wife — Gen 34:12 (Authorized Version) >
c. : a sum of money or its equivalent required of postulants by some religious communities (as of cloistered nuns)
3. : gift of nature : talent, endowment
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
: to supply with a dower or dowry : endow
< nature had so richly dowered him — J.A.Symonds > |