Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dower
Dow′er
,Noun.
1.
That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.
How great, how plentiful, how rich a
dower
! Sir J. Davies.
Man in his primeval
dower
arrayed. Wordsworth.
2.
The property with which a woman is endowed
; especially: (a)
That which a woman brings to a husband in marriage; dowry.
[Obs.]
(b)
(Law)
That portion of the real estate of a man which his widow enjoys during her life, or to which a woman is entitled after the death of her husband.
Blackstone.
☞ Dower, in modern use, is and should be distinguished from dowry. The former is a provision for a widow on her husband’s death; the latter is a bride's portion on her marriage.
Abbott.
Assignment of dower
. See under
Assignment
.Webster 1828 Edition
Dower
DOWER
,Noun.
1.
That portion of the lands or tenements of a man which his widow enjoys during her life, after the death of her husband. [This is the usual present signification of the word.]2.
The property which a woman brings to her husband in marriage.3.
The gift of a husband for a wife.Ask me never so much dowry and gift. Genesis 34.
4.
Endowment; gift.How great, how plentiful, how rich a dower.