Dower

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈdaʊ.ər/ or /ˈdaʊr/

Definitions

1. (Noun) The portion of a deceased husband's estate that the law entitles his widow to use during her lifetime.

2. (Noun) A natural gift or endowment.

3. (Verb) To provide a widow with a dower or endowment.

Usage Examples

• The widow received her dower as per the legal provisions.
• Her talent for music was a natural dower.
• The estate was dowered to the widow by the court.

Etymology

Derived from Old French "douaire," from Latin "dotarium," meaning dowry, first recorded in the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Dowry
• Endowment
• Bequest
• Inheritance

Antonyms

• Debt
• Liability

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈdaʊ.ər/
• American English: /ˈdaʊr/

Historical Usage

In medieval Europe, dower rights were provided to widows to ensure financial security following the death of their husbands.

Cultural Nuances

While the practice of dowers has diminished in many societies, it remains an essential part of inheritance law in some regions, particularly in rural and traditional communities.

More Information

Dowers historically served as a form of social security for women, especially in societies where women's inheritance rights were limited. Modern inheritance laws in many countries have largely replaced dower provisions with equitable distribution rules.