ˈdau̇ə̇jə(r), ˈdau̇ēj- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle French douagiere, from douage dower, from douer to endow (from Old French doer, douer ) + -age
1. : a widow in the enjoyment of some property or a title that has come to her from her deceased husband — often added to a title so enjoyed especially when there is a wife of the new incumbent of the title of the deceased husband
the empress's seal as dowager
the dowager duchess
countess dowager of Rimrock
2. : an elderly woman of imposing appearance or dominant personality ; often : one of the elder women of assured position who tend to set the tone of an assembly, social group, or community
the dowagers shook their heads over the younger generation
appealing to the dowager trade