A widow or surviving spouse, especially in legal records.
Relict is a historical legal term meaning a surviving spouse, usually a widow.
The term was commonly used in wills, deeds and manorial records when identifying a woman whose rights or claims arose through her deceased husband.
A relict might retain certain rights connected with property, inheritance or occupation of a holding, depending on local custom and legal arrangements.
See also:
By Marriage
Inheritance
Tenant
Reversion
