coverture

n. [ OF. coverture, F.couverture. ] 1. Covering; shelter; defense; hiding. [ 1913 Webster ]

Protected by walls or other like coverture. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

Beatrice, who even now
Is couched in the woodbine coverture. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]