First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1dower
noun dow·er \ˈdau̇(-ə)r\
Definition of DOWER
1
: the part of or interest in the real estate of a deceased husband given by law to his widow during her life — compare curtesy
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Origin of DOWER
Middle English dowere, from Anglo-French dower, douaire, from Medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dot-, dos gift, marriage portion — more at date
2dower
verb
Definition of DOWER
transitive verb
: to supply with a dower or dowry : endow
First Known Use of DOWER
1605
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