Definition & Meaning of "widow's weeds"

What are "widow's weeds"?

Widow's weeds are a type of traditional mourning attire that women would wear in the past to signify their status as a widow. The term is believed to have originated from the old English word "wede," meaning "garment" or "clothing." Widow's weeds typically consisted of a black dress made of heavy fabric such as crepe, serge, or wool, along with a black bonnet or veil. The outfit was meant to be plain and unadorned, with no embellishments or jewelry, and was worn for a certain period of time as a sign of respect for the deceased spouse. The wearing of widow's weeds has largely fallen out of practice in modern times, as mourning customs have become less formal and more individualized.