parapherna

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.

parapherna pl (plural only)

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

   Synonyms: paraphernalia, peculium

• paraphernal
• paraphernalia

• “parapherna”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.