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

1archaic : dower 12: the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage3: a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride4: a natural talent