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. 150; 4 Kent, Comm. 35; 1 Washb. Real Prop. 146.

Dower is an estate for the life of the widow in a cerbain portion of the following real estate of her husband, to which she has not relinquished her right during the marriage: (1) Of ail lands of which the husband was seised in fee during the marriage; (2) of all lands to which another was seised in fee to his nse; (3) of all lands to which, at the time of his death, he had u perfect equity, having paid all the purchase money therefor.

Code Ala. 1886, § 1892.

The term, both technically and in-popular acceptation, has reference to real estate exclusively.; “Dower,” in modern use, {s and should be 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.