dower

dower [-s, -'s] n

OFr douaire < L. dōtāre, endow.

1. Gift; endowment.
2. Money; property a wife brings to her husband upon their marriage.
3. Inheritance; share of an estate; property a widow receives following the death of her husband; [fig.] recognition from others; remembrance by others; fame after death.

dower [-ed] v

see dower, n.

1. Endow; grant; confer; give as a wedding gift.