paraphernalia
English
Etymology
A loan from Ancient Greek παράφερνα (parápherna, “goods which a wife brings over and above her dowry”), a compound of παρά (pará, “beside”) + φερνή (phernḗ, “dowry”), i.e. “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.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌpæɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "GA" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌpɛɹəfɚˈneɪli.ə/, /ˌpɛɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/
Audio (US): (file) - Rhymes: -eɪliə
- Hyphenation: par‧a‧pher‧na‧lia
Noun
- Miscellaneous items, especially the set of equipment required for a particular activity; stuff.
- He has an impressive collection of bicycling paraphernalia, but he doesn't ride very often anymore.
- (archaic) Things a woman owns, apart from her dowry.
Synonyms
- (woman's possessions): parapherna
Translations
miscellaneous items
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