“[S]ome have ascribed the introduction of dower to the Normans, as a branch of their local tenures; though we cannot expect any feodal reason for its invention, since it was not a part of the pure, primitive, simple law of feuds, but was first of all introduced into that system (wherein it was called …dotalitium) by the emperor Frederick the second; who was contemporary with our king Henry III. It is possible therefore that it might be with us the relic of a Danish custom: since, according to the historians of that country, dower was introduced into Denmark by Swein, the father of our Canute the great, out of gratitude to the Danish ladies, who sold all their jewels to ransom him when taken prisoner by the Vandals.” 2 William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England 129–30 (1766).
dotalitium
dotalitium (doh-t[schwa]-lish-ee-[schwa]m), n. [Law Latin] Hist. Dower.
