What does "curtesy" refer to in property law?

Curtesy is a legal term in property law that refers specifically to the rights that a widower has to his deceased wife's property. In jurisdictions that recognize curtesy, the widower may have the right to use or inherit a portion of his wife's estate upon her death, particularly if they had children together. This form of marital interest is similar to dower, which pertains to the rights of a widow in her deceased husband's estate.

Understanding this concept is important within property law as it highlights the different rights and privileges associated with marital status and how it intersects with property ownership and inheritance laws. In this context, curtesy emphasizes the protective rights afforded to a surviving spouse, which can vary by state and depend on the specifics of the couple's marriage and estate planning.