» Not to be confused with dowry, or with Dour. Dower or morning gift (Latin doarium, or Latinized Germanic morganaticum; Fr. douaire, German Morgengabe) was a provision accorded by law to a wife for her support in the event that she should survive her husband (for example, become a widow). It was settled on the bride by agreement at the time of the wedding, or provided by law. ("Settled" here refers to a gift into trust.) The term "morning gift" derives from the Germanic practice of the brideg… (More on Dower)