dowager

dow·a·ger

noun \ˈdau̇-i-jər\

Definition of DOWAGER

1

: a widow holding property or a title from her deceased husband

2

: a dignified elderly woman

Examples of DOWAGER

1. The estate is owned by a wealthy dowager.
2. <the town's dowagers frequently shake their heads over the younger generation>

Origin of DOWAGER

Middle French douagiere, from douage dower, from douer to endow — more at endow

First Known Use: 1530

Related to DOWAGER

Synonyms: dame, matriarch, grande dame, matron

Related Words: grandam (or grandame); headmistress, mistress; materfamilias; ma, mama (also mamma or momma), mammy, mom, mother

[+]more[-]hide