Search Result for "dowries": 

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] 3. A gift or presents for the bride, on espousal. See Dower. [1913 Webster] Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give . . .; but give me the damsel to wife. --Gen. xxxiv. 12. [1913 Webster]