Widow

A widow is a woman whose spouse or significant other has died, while a widower is a man whose spouse or significant other has died. The state of having lost one's spouse to death is termed widowhood or occasionally viduity. The adjective form is widowed. The treatment of widows around the world varies, but unequal benefits and treatment generally received by widows versus widowers globally has spurred an interest in the issue by human rights activists.

Read more about Widow:  Economic Position, Widows in Indian Culture

Famous quotes containing the word widow:

    A widow has two duties of a contradictory nature—she is a mother, and she ought to exert a father’s power.
    HonorĂ© De Balzac (1799–1850)

    Here’s to the maiden of bashful fifteen;
    Here’s to the widow of fifty;
    Here’s to the flaunting extravagant queen;
    And here’s to the housewife that’s thrifty.
    Let the toast pass,—
    Drink to the lass,
    I’ll warrant she’ll prove an excuse for the glass.
    Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816)

    The report reflects incredibly terrible judgments, shockingly sparse concern for human life, instances of officials lacking the courage to exercise the responsibilities of their high office and some very bewildering thought processes.
    Jane Jarrell Smith, U.S. widow of American astronaut Michael J. Smith. As quoted in Newsweek magazine, p. 13 (June 30, 1986)