The sum paid by a man to the relatives of the woman who becomes his wife. Genesis 34:12; Exodus 22:16,17; 1 Samuel 18:25 : cf. Hosea 3:2 . Leah, on having her sixth son, piously said, "God hath endued me with a good dowry." Genesis 30:20 . The dowry which Jacob gave for his wives was seven years' service for each. Genesis 29:18,27 .