See Also: DOWRESS(law)

DOWRESS (law)


DOWRESS. A woman entitled to dower. 2. In order to entitle a woman to the rights of a dowress at common 2. In order to entitle a woman to the rights of a dowress at common law, she must have been lawfully married, her husband must be dead, he must law, she must have been lawfully married, her husband must be dead, he must have been seised, during the coverture, of an estate subject to dower. have been seised, during the coverture, of an estate subject to dower. Although the marriage may be void able, if it is not absolutely void at his Although the marriage may be void able, if it is not absolutely void at his death, it is sufficient to support the rights of the dowress. The husband death, it is sufficient to support the rights of the dowress. The husband and wife must have been of sufficient age to consent. and wife must have been of sufficient age to consent. 3. At common law an alien could not be endowed, but this rule has been 3. At common law an alien could not be endowed, but this rule has been changed in several states. 2 John. Cas. 29; 1 Harr.