\Do*ta"tion\, n. [LL. dotatio, fr. L. dotare to endow,
fr. dos, dotis, dower: cf. F. dotation. See {Dot} dowry.]
1. The act of endowing, or bestowing a marriage portion on a
   woman.
2. Endowment; establishment of funds for support, as of a
   hospital or eleemosynary corporation. --Blackstone.