bride price

or bride-price

noun

1. (in some nonindustrial societies) the money or goods given to the family of a bride by the bridegroom or his family.

bride price

noun

1. (in some societies) money, property, or services given by a bridegroom to the kinsmen of his bride in order to establish his rights over the woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of bride price¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The rule in both Iliad and Odyssey is that the wooer gives a bride-price to the father of the bride, ethna.

From Project Gutenberg

In that song the injured husband, Hephaestus, claims back the bride-price which he had paid to the father of his wife, Zeus.

From Project Gutenberg

The bride-price varied much, according to the position of the parties, but was in excess of that paid for a slave.

From Project Gutenberg

In Homer girls are proud to be bought and to bring to their fathers a bride price of many cows.

From Project Gutenberg

Inside the we-group the first need for money is for fees, fines, amercements, and bride price.

From Project Gutenberg