Dowries

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Dowry \Dow"ry\ (dou"r[y^]), n.; pl. {Dowries} (dou"r[i^]z).
     [Contr. from dowery; cf. LL. dotarium. See {Dower}.]
     1. A gift; endowment. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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     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.
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     3. A gift or presents for the bride, on espousal. See
        {Dower}.
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              Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give
              . . .; but give me the damsel to wife. --Gen. xxxiv.
                                                    12.
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