dowcot, dowcate

A dove-cote (q. v.). dow (1), dhow, s . [Arab.] An Arab ve el, generally from 150 to 250 tons' burthen, by measurement about 85 feet long from stem to stern, 20 feet 9 inches broad, and 11 feet 6 inches deep. It is grab built, with ten or twelve ports, and designed for war. There is but one mast, which reaches forward to support a heavy lateen sail, and afford room for it to be raised or lowered. Many Arab dows trade between the south of Arabia and India; others cruise as pirates in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. (Mr. Edye : Journal Royal Asiat . Soc ., i., 11, 12.) dow (2), s. [Dow (1), v.] Worth, avail, value, force. dow (3), s. (An abbreviation of dower. ] dow-purse, s . A considerable sum of money anciently put into a purse and presented at the wedding by the bridegroom to the bride as the purchase of her person. The custom, or one similar to it, obtained among the Jews, the Greeks, and the Romans. ( Wharton , .)