01 n. A widow endowed, or having a jointure; a widow who either enjoys a dower from her deceased husband, or has property of her own brought by h…
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1.
A widow endowed, or having a jointure; a widow who either enjoys a dower from her deceased husband, or has property of her own brought by her to her husband on marriage, and settled on her after his decease.(Eng. Law)
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2.
A title given in England to a widow, to distinguish her from the wife of her husband's heir bearing the same name; -- chiefly applied to widows of personages of rank.“With prudes for proctors, dowagers for deans.” — Tennyson.
Phrases & compounds
Queen dowager —
the widow of a king.