Writ of Dower:

“(16c.) A writ for the assignment of dower; DE DOTE UNDE NIHIL,
HABET. Cf. WRIT OF RIGHT OF DOWER.”

Definition of Dower:

“(14c.) At common law, a wife’s right, upon her husband’s death, to a life estate in one-third of the land that he owned in fee. With few exceptions, the wife could not be deprived of dower by any transfer made by her husband during his lifetime. Although most states have abolished dower, many states retaining the concept have expanded the wife’s share to a life estate in all the land that her husband owned in fee. – Also termed dowment; maritagium. Cf. CURTESY.”