Main Entry: dow·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈdau̇(-ə)-rē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural dowries

Etymology: Middle English dowarie, from Anglo-French, alteration of dower, douaire — more at dower

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : dower 1
2 : the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage
3 : a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride
4 : a natural talent