Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Coverture \Cov"er*ture\ (k?v"?r-t?r; 135), n. [OF. coverture,F.
   couverture.]
   1. Covering; shelter; defense; hiding.

            Protected by walls or other like coverture.
                                                  --Woodward.

            Beatrice, who even now Is couched in the woodbine
            coverture.                            --Shak.

   2. (Law) The condition of a woman during marriage, because
      she is considered under the cover, influence, power, and
      protection of her husband, and therefore called a {feme
      covert}, or {femme couverte}.