dowry

The definition of a dowry is the property and wealth a woman brings to a marriage in some cultures or in historic times, or a natural talent or gift.

(noun)

An example of a dowry is a flock of sheep and a bag of gold coins that a woman's parents give to her husband when they are married.
An example of a dowry is a toddler being able to play the piano.

See dowry in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. dowries

the property that a woman brings to her husband at marriage: now chiefly historical or metaphorical
a natural talent, gift, or endowment
Archaic a widow's dower
Archaic a gift by a man to his bride

Origin: ME douerie < Anglo-Fr & OFr douarie: see dower

See dowry in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. dow·ries

Money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage. Also called dower.
A sum of money required of a postulant at a convent.
A natural endowment or gift; a talent.
Archaic See dower.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English douerie

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman douarie

Origin: , from Medieval Latin dōtārium, dōārium, dōāria, dower; see dower

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