Dictionary entry

Jointure

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Join″ture (?), n. [F. jointure a joint, orig., a joining, L. junctura, fr. jungere to join. See Join, and cf. Juncture.]

1. A joining; a joint.

2. (Law) An estate settled on a wife, which she is to enjoy after husband's decease, for her own life at least, in satisfaction of dower.

The jointure that your king must make,

Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised. Shak.