bride price

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

Also called bride·wealth

[brahyd-welth] /ˈbraɪdˌwɛlθ/.

Origin of bride price

First recorded in 1875–80

The bride-price came to be the most usual custom, gradually displacing the others.

The Truth About Woman |C. Gasquoine Hartley
In this tribe, as in Homer's time, the lover offers a bride-price to the father of the girl.

Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa |Elphinstone Dayrell
Divorce may be obtained by either party at pleasure on payment of double the bride-price, which is usually Rs.

Castes and Tribes of Southern India |Edgar Thurston
In the Australian tribes, the bride-price is simply another girl.

Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa |Elphinstone Dayrell

The payment of a bride-price was claimed, and an act of purchase was accounted essential.

The Position of Woman in Primitive Society |C. Gasquoine Hartley

bride price

(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