The sum paid by a man to the relatives of the woman who becomes his wife (Gen. 34:12; Ex. 22:16-17; 1 Sam. 18:25: Compare Hos. 3:2). Leah, on having her sixth son, piously said, “God hath endued me with a good dowry” (Gen. 30:20). The dowry which Jacob gave for his wives was seven years’ service for each (Gen. 29:18,27).