Definition of PARAPHERNA

parapherna

Noun

  • A woman's property which was not made a part of her marriage dower, but remained her own.

Origin / Etymology

From Late Latin parapherna, from Ancient Greek παράφερνα (parápherna, “things additional to a dowry”), from παρα- (para-, “beside”) + φερνή (phernḗ, “dowry”). In the propertied classes, a dowry was placed under the control of the husband, while the 'paraphernalia' which she brought with her remained the wife’s property.

Scrabble Score: 0

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Words With Friends Score: 0

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