Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dowry \Dow"ry\, n.; pl. {Dowries}. [Contr. from dowery; cf. LL.
   dotarium. See {Dower}.]
   1. A gift; endowment. [Obs.] --Spenser.

   2. The money, goods, or estate, which a woman brings to her
      husband in marriage; a bride's portion on her marriage.
      See Note under {Dower}. --Shak. Dryden.

   3. A gift or presents for the bride, on espousal. See
      {Dower}.

            Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give
            . . .; but give me the damsel to wife. --Gen. xxxiv.
                                                  12.

Source : WordNet®

dowry
     n : money or property brought by a woman to her husband at
         marriage [syn: {dowery}, {dower}]