GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Dower , n. [F. douaire, LL. dotarium, from L. dotare to endow, portion, fr. dos dower; akin to Gr.  gift, and to L. dare to give. See 1st Date, and cf. Dot dowry, Dotation.]
   That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.
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   How great, how plentiful, how rich a dower!
   Sir J. Davies.
   
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   Man in his primeval dower arrayed.
   Wordsworth.
   
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   The property with which a woman is endowed; especially: (a) That which a woman brings to a husband in marriage; dowry. [Obs.]
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   His wife brought in dower Cilicia's crown.
   Dryden.
   (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.
   
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   ☞ 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.
   
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   Assignment of dower. See under Assignment.
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