dowager

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a widow who holds property, income, or a title derived from her late husband

   The dowager retained a life interest in the estate after her husband's death.

2. 2
   noun

   a titled widow identified by placing dowager before the title she held through her husband

   The dowager duchess continued to attend official ceremonies.

3. 3
   noun

   an older woman of wealth, dignity, or high social rank

   A formidable dowager chaired the museum's fundraising committee.

From Middle French douagiere, based on douage, 'dower,' from douer, 'to endow,' ultimately from Latin dos, 'dowry.' The word first denoted a widow supported by her dower and then became part of titles such as dowager duchess.

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