A widow's portion of her husband's assets that were acquired during the course of their marriage. The dower, usually amounting to one third, applies even if the deceased husband wills her a portion less than this. Compare curtesy.
Main Entry: dow·er Pronunciation: 'dau-&r Function: noun Etymology: Anglo-French, from Old French douaire, modification of Medieval Latin dotarium, from Latin dot- dos gift, dowry : the life estate in a man's real property to which his wife is entitled upon his death under common law and some state statutes —compare CURTESY, ELECTIVE SHARE
[dou-er] 
ər