parapherna en · NOUN
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.
Meanings
- (Ancient-Rome, historical, plural, plural-only) A woman's property which was not made a part of her marriage dower, but remained her own.