Bible Dictionary · D
Dowry
(mohar; i.e., price paid for a wife, Gen 34:12; Ex 22:17; 1 Sam 18:25), a nuptial present; some gift, as a sum of money, which the bridegroom offers to the father of his bride as a satisfaction before he can receive her. Jacob had no dowry to give for his wife, but he gave his services (Gen 29:18; Gen 30:20; Gen 34:12).
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.