DOWRY

In eastern countries the bridegroom was required to pay the father of his betrothed a stipulated portion, in money or other valuables, portion, in money or other valuables, proportioned to the rank and station of the family to which she belonged; this was the dowry. Jacob purchased his wives by his services to their father, Ge 29:18-27; 34:12; Ex 22:16,17; 1Sa 18:25; Ho 3:2.

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Dowry. 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).

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DOWRY. → General scriptures concerning Ex 22:16,17; Ru 4:3-9 → See WOMEN

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Dow″ry (?), n.; pl. Dowries (#). [[Contr. from dowery; cf. LL. dotarium. See Dower.]] 1. 1. A gift; endowment. Spenser.
2. 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. 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.