dower

Meaning

Noun

1. The part of or interest in a deceased husband's property provided to his widow, usually in the form of a life estate.
2. Property given by a groom directly to his bride at or before their wedding in order to legitimize the marriage; dowry.
3. (obsolete) That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.

Verb

1. To give a dower or dowry to.
2. To endow.

Synonyms

dowry

portion

endow

dowery

endowment

inheritance

legacy

patrimony

talent

trousseau

bride price

give a present

indue

marriage portion

dot

give a dowry

faculty

fortune

gift

🎁

heritage

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdaʊ.əɹ/

Etymology

From Middle English dower, dowere, from Old French doeire, from Medieval Latin dōtārium, from Latin dōs.