What's "dowry?

Rebecca

A "dowry" is a form of payment from a bride's family to the groom or the groom's family at the time of marriage. This is still a practiced tradition in many parts of the world. But, in the West, it is no longer seen as suitable to do. In terms of women's rights back in the day, women were seen more as property and less as people. So a dowry was seen as a "price" for the bride. Ex: In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy paid for one of the Bennet daughter's dowry on their behalf. Ex: I'm glad dowries aren't necessary for marriage or partnership anymore.