The word "wittum" is derived from the same root her as "widmen" ('dedicate'); wittum thus refers to a "dedicated good". In Tyrol and South Tyrol, it is still used as a term for a parsonage. Later, provisions for a widow were called "wittum" because these were "dedicated assets". The linkage of the word "wittum" with "widow" is considered folk etymology and incorrect.Duden, Etymology, s.v. widmen, Wittum, Witwe; particularly clear: H. Paul, German Dictionary, s.v. widmen, as well as: M. Lexer, Middle High German Dictionary, s.v. widem, Widum etc., also M. Lexer, Kärntisches Wörterbuch (Leipzig 1862), page 257 s.v. widnes, and other dictionaries with etymological notes
