parapherna

English

Etymology

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.

Noun

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

Related terms

• paraphernal
• paraphernalia

References

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