CURTESY

Etymology

Noun

curtesy (uncountable)

The tenure that a man is entitled to over the property of his deceased wife if there is a child who could inherit it.

Anagrams

• curtsey

Source: Wiktionary

Cur"te*sy (kr"t-s), n.; pl. Curtesies (-s. Etym: [Either fr. courlesy, the lands being held as it were by favor; or fr. court (LL. curtis), the husband being regarded as holding the lands as a vassal of the court. See Court, Courtesy.] (Law)

Definition: the life estate which a husband has in the lands of his deceased wife, which by the common law takes effect where he has had issue by her, born alive, and capable of inheriting the lands. Mozley & W.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition