Dower vs. Dowry — What's the Difference?

Dower is a provision accorded by law but traditionally by a husband or his family, to a wife for her support should she become widowed. It was settled on the bride (being gifted into trust) by agreement at the time of the wedding, or as provided by law.

A dowry is a payment, such as property or money, paid by the bride's family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage. Dowry contrasts with the related concepts of bride price and dower.

A spouse's legal entitlement, while alive, to a share of a deceased spouse's real estate or other property.

Money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage.

The part or interest of a deceased man's real estate formerly allotted by law to his widow for her lifetime.

A sum of money required of a postulant at a convent.

A natural endowment or gift; a dowry.

A natural endowment or gift; a talent.

To give a dower to; endow.

(Archaic) See dower.

(legal) The part of or interest in a deceased husband's property provided to his widow, usually in the form of a life estate.

Payment, such as property or money, paid by the bride's family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage.

(legal) Property given by a groom directly to his bride at or before their wedding in order to legitimize the marriage; dowry.

(less common) Payment by the groom or his family to the bride's family: bride price.

(obsolete) That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.

(obsolete) Dower.

(transitive) To give a dower or dowry to.

A natural gift or talent.

(transitive) To endow. en

To bestow a dowry upon.

That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.

A gift; endowment.

The property with which a woman is endowed

The money, goods, or estate, which a woman brings to her husband in marriage; a bride's portion on her marriage. See Note under Dower.

That portion of the real estate of a man which his widow enjoys during her life, or to which a woman is entitled after the death of her husband.

A gift or presents for the bride, on espousal. See Dower.

Money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage

Money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage

A life estate to which a wife is entitled on the death of her husband

Furnish with an endowment;