endow Meaning, Definition & Usage

En*dow" transitive verb

Etymology

OF. endouer; pref. en- (L. in) + F. douer to endow, L. dotare. See Dower, and cf. 2d Endue.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Endowed ; present participle & verbal noun Endowing

Definitions

1. To furnish with money or its equivalent, as a permanent fund for support; to make pecuniary provision for; to settle an income upon; especially, to furnish with dower; as, to endow a wife; to endow a public institution.

   Endowing hospitals and almshouses. Bp. Stillingfleet.

2. To enrich or furnish with anything of the nature of a gift (as a quality or faculty); -- followed by with, rarely by of; as, man is endowed by his Maker with reason; to endow with privileges or benefits.