Dowry
Pronunciation : Dow"ry
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [Contr. from dowery; cf. LL. dotarium. See Dower.]
Definition : 1. A gift; endowment. [Obs.] Spenser.
2. The money, goods, or estate, which a woman brings to her husband in marriage; a bride's portion on her marriage. See Note under Dower. Shak. Dryden.
3. A gift or presents for the bride, on espousal. See Dower. Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give . . .; but give me the damsel to wife. Gen. xxxiv. 12.
pl. Dowries.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913