E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Annus Luctus,
the period during which a widow is morally supposed to remain chaste. If she marries within about nine months from the death of her late husband and a child is born, a doubt might arise as to the paternity of the child. Such a marriage is not illegal, but it is inexpedient.
