DOWAGER

A widow who is endowed, or who has a jointure in lieu of dower. In England, this is a title or addition given to the widows of princes, dukes, earls, and other noblemen, to distinguish fnern from the wives of the heirs, who have right to bear the title. 1 Bl. Comm. 224. Dowager queen. The widow of the king. As such she enjoys most of the privileges belonging to her as queen consort It is not treason to conspire her death or violate her chastity, because the succession to the crown is not thereby endangered. No man, however, can marry her without a special license from the sovereign, on pain of forfeiting his lands or goods. 1 Bl. Comm. 233.