Widow /(wĭd"ō̇)/

Wid·ow

Widow

n.
  1. A woman who has lost her husband by death, and has not married again; one living bereaved of a husband.
  2. In various games (such as “hearts”), any extra hand or part of a hand, as one dealt to the table. It may be taken by one of the players under certain circumstances. (Card Playing)

Phrases & Compounds
Grass widow
See under Grass.
Widow bewitched
a woman separated from her husband; a grass widow.
Widow-in-mourning
the macavahu.
Widow monkey
a small South American monkey (Callithrix lugens); -- so called on account of its color, which is black except the dull whitish arms, neck, and face, and a ring of pure white around the face.
Widow's chamber
in London, the apparel and furniture of the bedchamber of the widow of a freeman, to which she was formerly entitled.

Widow

a.
  1. Widowed.

Widow

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Widowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Widowing

  1. To reduce to the condition of a widow; to bereave of a husband; -- rarely used except in the past participle.
    Though in thus city he Hath widowed and unchilded many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury.
  2. To deprive of one who is loved; to strip of anything beloved or highly esteemed; to make desolate or bare; to bereave.
    The widowed isle, in mourning, Dries up her tears.
    Tress of their shriveled fruits Are widowed, dreary storms o'er all prevail.
    — J. Philips.
    Mourn, widowed queen; forgotten Sion, mourn.
    — Heber.
  3. To endow with a widow's right. [R.]
  4. To become, or survive as, the widow of. [Obs.]
    Let me be married to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all.