DOWRY,

(mohar; i.e., price paid for a wife, Gen. 34:12; Ex. 22:17; 1 Sam. 18:25), a nuptial present; some gift, as a sum of money, which the bridegroom offers to the father of his bride as a satisfaction before he can receive her. Jacob had no dowry to give for his wife, but he gave his services (Gen. 29:18; 30:20; 34:12).

[Marriage]

DOWRY, in the Eastern acceptation of the word, means that which the husband pays for his wife, instead of that which the wife receives from her father and brings to her husband. Gen 29:18; Gen 34:12; 1 Sam 18:25. So, Ex 22:16-17; Josh 15:18, a man was required to pay a certain sum as dowry or a nuptial-present, and this was to be according to the rank the woman sustained, and such as the fathers of virgins of the same rank were accustomed to receive for their daughters. Hos 3:2. See Marriage.

DOWRY, in the Eastern acceptation of the word, means that which the husband pays for his wife, instead of that which the wife receives from her father and brings to her husband. Gen 29:18; Gen 34:12; 1 Sam 18:25. So, Ex 22:16-17; Josh 15:18, a man was required to pay a certain sum as dowry or a nuptial-present, and this was to be according to the rank the woman sustained, and such as the fathers of virgins of the same rank were accustomed to receive for their daughters. Hos 3:2. See Marriage.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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.