Dowager
noun
A woman, often old, who is or was married to a man of high social rank or importance and whose husband is dead but she still keeps her title.
The dowager lived alone in the grand estate, mourning the loss of her husband, the former duke.
Often appears as...
- dowager countess
- dowager queen
noun
In a more general sense, an older woman who is very elegant, or behaves as if she is from a high social class.
She was a respected dowager in the community, always seen attending events in her fine clothing.
Often appears as...
- dowager's hump
- social dowager
noun
A woman, often old, who is or was married to a man of high social rank or importance and whose husband is dead but she still keeps her title.
The dowager lived alone in the grand estate, mourning the loss of her husband, the former duke.
Often appears as...
- dowager countess
- dowager queen
noun
In a more general sense, an older woman who is very elegant, or behaves as if she is from a high social class.
She was a respected dowager in the community, always seen attending events in her fine clothing.
Often appears as...
- dowager's hump
- social dowager
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Aristocratic Association
The term implies aristocracy, reserved for high social ranks, not the average widow.
The dowager princess hosted a magnificent ball.
Pro Tip 2/3Retained Prestige
Even after her husband's death, a dowager retains her social prestige and title.
The guests respectfully greeted the dowager as they would have addressed her late husband.
Pro Tip 3/3Older, Not Old
Though often used for older women, 'dowager' doesn't necessarily mean she is elderly.
The youthful dowager devoted herself to charity work.
Pro Tip 1/3Aristocratic Association
The term implies aristocracy, reserved for high social ranks, not the average widow.
The dowager princess hosted a magnificent ball.
Pro Tip 2/3Retained Prestige
Even after her husband's death, a dowager retains her social prestige and title.
The guests respectfully greeted the dowager as they would have addressed her late husband.
Pro Tip 3/3Older, Not Old
Though often used for older women, 'dowager' doesn't necessarily mean she is elderly.
The youthful dowager devoted herself to charity work.
Pro Tip 1/3Aristocratic Association
The term implies aristocracy, reserved for high social ranks, not the average widow.
The dowager princess hosted a magnificent ball.
Pro Tip 2/3Retained Prestige
Even after her husband's death, a dowager retains her social prestige and title.
The guests respectfully greeted the dowager as they would have addressed her late husband.
Pro Tip 3/3Older, Not Old
Though often used for older women, 'dowager' doesn't necessarily mean she is elderly.
The youthful dowager devoted herself to charity work.
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and its patina of civility. But therein lies the third don't mistake decorum for civility. Even if you have a dowager countess as fabulous as Dame Maggie Smith. So let me end with one last story.
Video examples
3 ways to practice...
and its patina of civility. But therein lies the third don't mistake decorum for civility. Even if you have a dowager countess as fabulous as Dame Maggie Smith. So let me end with one last story.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Jerry Hall
American Model
When it comes to jewellery, less is more as you get older. Just before I go out to a party, I look at myself in the mirror and take off half of the jewellery I'm wearing. Anything that rattles or clanks is just too dowager duchess.
Quote examples
Lauren Willig
American Author
As a friend once pointed out, the crotchety dowagers do tend to get all the best lines. That may be why I have so many of them in my books.
Quote examples
Jerry Hall
American Model
When it comes to jewellery, less is more as you get older. Just before I go out to a party, I look at myself in the mirror and take off half of the jewellery I'm wearing. Anything that rattles or clanks is just too dowager duchess.
Quote examples
Lauren Willig
American Author
As a friend once pointed out, the crotchety dowagers do tend to get all the best lines. That may be why I have so many of them in my books.
Example 1 of 2
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