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Dictionary Language resources

dower

Pronunciation: /ˈdaʊə/

Definition of dower

noun

a widow’s share for life of her husband’s estate: [as modifier]:a dower house
archaic a dowry.

verb

[with object] archaic

give a dowry to: he was so short of money that he could not even dower his sister

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French douaire, from medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dotare 'endow', from dos, dot- 'dowry'; related to dare 'give'