dower

UK [ˈdaʊ.ə(ɹ)] US [ˈdaw.ɚ]
noun 4verb 2name 1

Definitions

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 to his bride or her family, at or before their wedding, in order to legitimize the marriage

[…] how features are abroad, / I am skill-less of; but, by my modesty,— / The jewel in my dower,—I would not wish / Any companion in the world but you […]

In New Bedford, fathers, they say, give whales for dowers to their daughters, and portion off their nieces with a few porpoises a-piece.

3

That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.

How great, how plentiful, how rich a dower!

Man in his primeval dower arrayed.

verb

1

To give a dower or dowry to.

He had married a lady well educated and softly nurtured, but not dowered with worldly wealth.

2

To endow.

It was nothing of this earth, but a piece of the great outside; and as such dowered with outside properties and obedient to outside laws.

noun

1

Alternative spelling of dougher.

Your note

not saved
0 chars