- dowry
- early 14c., from Anglo-Fr. dowarie, from O.Fr. douaire, from M.L. dotarium, from L. dos (gen. dotis) "marriage portion," from PIE *do-ti (cf. Skt. dadati, Gk. didonai, O.C.S. dati, Lith. duoti, Arm. tam, all meaning "to give"), from base *do- "to give." Related to L. donum "a giving, gift;" dare "to give" (see date (1)).