I. ˈdau̇(-ə)r 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1605
: to supply with a dower or dowry : endow