Main Entry: ¹dow·er

Pronunciation: \ˈdau̇(-ə)r\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English dowere, from Anglo-French dower, douaire, from Medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dot-, dos gift, marriage portion — more at date

Date: 14th century

1 : the part of or interest in the real estate of a deceased husband given by law to his widow during her life — compare curtesy
2 a : dowry 2 b : dowry 3