Definition of DOWER in Black's Law Dictionary 4th Edition – Legal dictionary – Glossary of legal terms.
Definition of DOWER
The provision which the law makes for a widow out of the lands or tenements of her husband, for her support and the nurture of her children. Co. Litt. 30a; 2 Bl.Comm. 130; In re Miller's Estate, 44 N.M. 214, 100 P.2d 908, 911. A species of life-estate which a woman is, by law, entitled to claim on the death of her husband, in the lands and tenements of which he was seised in fee during the marriage, and which her issue, if any, might by possibility have inherited. 1 Steph.Comm. 249; 2 Bl.Comm. 129; Cruise, Dig. tit. 6; 2 Crabb, Real Prop. p. 124, § 1117; 4 Kent, Comm. 35. See Inchoate Dower.
"Dower" is the life estate to which every married woman is entitled on death of her husband, intestate, or, in case she dissents from his will, one-third in value of all lands of which husband was beneficially seized in law or in fact. at any time during coverture. McGehee v. McGehee, 189 N. C. 558, 127 S.E. 684, 687. McLawhorn v. Smith, 211 N.C. 513, 191 S.E. 35, 38, 110 A.L.R. 980.
The term, both technically and in popular acceptation, has reference to real estate exclusive580 DRACO ly. Shackelford v. Shackelford, 181 Va. 869, 27 S.E.2d 354, 359.
"Dower," in modern use, is distinguished from "dowry." The former is a provision for a widow on her husband's death ; the latter is a bride's portion on her marriage. Wendler v. Lambeth, 163 Mo. 428, 63 S.W. 684.
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That's the definition of DOWER in Black's Law Dictionary 4th Edition – Legal dictionary – Glossary of legal terms. Courtesy of Cekhukum.com.
