A "dowager" is a term used to describe a widow who holds a title or property that was inherited from her deceased husband. This title often comes from noble or aristocratic backgrounds, where the woman may have been granted a specific status due to her marriage. Dowagers typically manage their late husband's estate and may have certain social responsibilities. In historical contexts, dowagers were often seen as influential figures within their families and communities. They could wield power and make decisions regarding family affairs, especially if their husbands had passed away without a male heir. The term is commonly associated with nobility and aristocracy.