Main Entry: ¹bow·er

Pronunciation: \ˈbau̇(-ə)r\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English bour dwelling, from Old English būr; akin to Old English & Old High German būan to dwell, Old English bēon to be — more at be

Date: before 12th century

1 : an attractive dwelling or retreat
2 : a lady's private apartment in a medieval hall or castle
3 : a shelter (as in a garden) made with tree boughs or vines twined together : arbor

— bow·ery \-ē\ adjective