The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Coverture \Cov"er*ture\ (k?v"?r-t?r; 135), 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]