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Webster 1913 Edition

Paraphernalia

Parˊa-pher-na′li-a

,
Noun.
pl.
[LL.
paraphernalia bona
, fr. L.
parapherna
, pl., parapherna, Gr. [GREEK];
παρά
beside + [GREEK] a bride’s dowry, fr.
φέρειν
to bring. See 1st
Bear
.]
1.
(Law)
Something reserved to a wife, over and above her dower, being chiefly apparel and ornaments suited to her degree.

Webster 1828 Edition

Paraphernalia

PARAPHERNA'LIA

,
Noun.
[Gr. beyond, and dower.] The goods which a wife brings with her at her marriage, or which she possesses beyond her dower or jointure, and which remain at her disposal after her husband's death. Such are her apparel and her ornaments, over which the executors have no control, unless when the assets are insufficient to pay the debts.

Definition 2024

paraphernalia

paraphernalia

English

Noun

paraphernalia ‎(uncountable)

  1. (plural only) 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.
  2. (archaic) Things a woman owns, apart from her dowry.

Synonyms

Translations

Etymology

The origin of the word is Ancient Greek παρά ‎(pará) + φερνή ‎(phernḗ) (“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

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌpæɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˌpɛɹəfɚˈneɪli.ə/, /ˌpɛɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/
  • Rhymes: -eɪliə
  • Hyphenation: par‧a‧pher‧na‧lia

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