n. & v.
n. 1 a widow's share for life of her husband's estate. 2 archaic a dowry. 3 a natural gift or talent.
v.tr. 1 archaic give a dowry to. 2 (foll. by with) endow with talent etc. dower house Brit. a smaller house near a big one, forming part of a widow's dower. dowerless adj.
[ ME f. OF douaire f. med.L dotarium f. L dos dotis ]