Curtesy Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Curtesy.

Curtesy (noun)

In the realm of estate law, curtesy refers to the legal right a husband is awarded over the property or land that was owned by his deceased wife, given the condition that they were married when she passed away and they had children together who are still living and are eligible to inherit that property. It allows the husband to use the land or generate income from it until his death.