The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dotation \Do*ta"tion\, n. [LL. dotatio, fr. L. dotare to endow,
   fr. dos, dotis, dower: cf. F. dotation. See Dot dowry.]
   1. The act of endowing, or bestowing a marriage portion on a
      woman.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Endowment; establishment of funds for support, as of a
      hospital or eleemosynary corporation. --Blackstone.
      [1913 Webster]

Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

DOTATION, French law. The act by which the founder of a hospital, or other
charity, endows it with property to fulfill its destination.