Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Widow \Wid"ow\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Widowed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Widowing}.]
   1. To reduce to the condition of a widow; to bereave of a
      husband; -- rarely used except in the past participle.

            Though in thus city he Hath widowed and unchilded
            many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury.
                                                  --Shak.

   2. To deprive of one who is loved; to strip of anything
      beloved or highly esteemed; to make desolate or bare; to
      bereave.

            The widowed isle, in mourning, Dries up her tears.
                                                  --Dryden.

            Tress of their shriveled fruits Are widowed, dreary
            storms o'er all prevail.              --J. Philips.

            Mourn, widowed queen; forgotten Sion, mourn.
                                                  --Heber.

   3. To endow with a widow's right. [R.] --Shak.

   4. To become, or survive as, the widow of. [Obs.]

            Let me be married to three kings in a forenoon, and
            widow them all.                       --Shak.