Dowager

A dowager is a widow or widower who holds a title or property – a "dower" – derived from her or his deceased spouse.^[1] As an adjective, dowager usually appears in association with monarchical and aristocratic titles.

In popular usage, the noun dowager may refer to any elderly widow, especially one of wealth and dignity or autocratic manner.

Some dowagers move to a separate residence known as a dower house.

^ "Queen as a Title – History of Titles for Female Rulers". about.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2017.

[1] "Queen as a Title – History of Titles for Female Rulers". about.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2017.

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