A dower, or dowry, can have several meanings related to money and marriage. Sometimes, as was the case earlier in reference to Katherina, it refers to money given by the bride’s family to a newlywed couple. Other times, when a potential bride is extremely desirable, it can refer to money paid by a suitor to obtain the father’s consent. In yet another sense, as is the case here, it’s akin to life insurance, assets which will go to the wife if she should outlive the husband.