What is "separate estate"

Separate \Sep"a*rate\, p. a. [L. separatus, p. p. ]

1. Divided from another or others; disjoined; disconnected; separated; -- said of things once connected.

   Him that was separate from his brethren.
   --Gen. xlix. 26.

2. Unconnected; not united or associated; distinct; -- said of things that have not been connected.

   For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinnere.
   --Heb. vii. 26.

3. Disunited from the body; disembodied; as, a separate spirit; the separate state of souls.

   Separate estate (Law), an estate limited to a married woman independent of her husband.

   Separate maintenance (Law), an allowance made to a wife by her husband under deed of separation. [1913 Webster] -- Sep"a*rate*ly, adv. -- Sep"a*rate*ness, n.