queen dowager

the widow of a king.

Origin of queen dowager

First recorded in 1615–25

Gan-muver was also installed as queen-dowager, in a suite of apartments consisting of one room and a closet.

My Doggie and I |R.M. Ballantyne
This plan was upset by the queen-dowager Elizabeth, who determined to rule both kingdoms during the minority of her children.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 8 |Various
Queen Adelaide, now Queen-dowager, was present in the royal closet.

Agnes Strickland's Queens of England, Vol. III. (of III) |Rosalie Kaufman
Henry, with his young charge, was at Rouen, when the Queen-dowager arrived.

Life of Mary Queen of Scots, Volume I (of 2) |Henry Glassford Bell

The new queen being a minor, her mother, the queen-dowager Emma, became regent.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 |Various

queen dowager

the widow of a king