bride price

American  

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.

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bride price British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of bride price

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

When David refuses, insisting on marrying his true love, the king demands a disgusting bride price.

From Salon

And with only a bride price to save us.

From Literature

There’s a longstanding tradition in China of men paying a bride price to their future wife’s family.

From New York Times

Ms. Chan fears that when her parents find out, their demands for a bride price will ultimately prevail.

From New York Times

Like most Gazan grooms, he needed to pay a bride price, in his case about $3,500, to the bride’s parents.

From New York Times