Parapherna

Origin

From Latin parapherna, and ultimately from Ancient Greek παρά + φερνή (“things additional to a 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.

Full definition of parapherna

Noun

1. (legal, historical, Ancient Rome) A woman's property which was not made a part of her marriage dower but remained her own.

Related terms

• paraphernalia