I'll have to explain it in English. The concepts are part of English law going back many centuries. They were carried over to colonial America and many states in the US had or have similar laws on their books. I'll give a very simple explanation. Understand that there were exceptions to what I explain.
When a man died, his wife was entitled to "dower." Dower was one third of the lands that the man owned while he was alive. (women generally couldn't own property if they were married when these laws were written) Typically any children would be entitled to the other two thirds.
If a woman did own land, and it was possible, often through inheritance, and she died, the husband was entitled to curtesy. Curtesy was ownership of the lands for the rest of his life. I think, when he died, the lands would typically pass to any children.
There were many exceptions and special qualifications to what I just wrote. I hope this is all that you need.