paraphernalia

A loan from Ancient Greek παράφερνα (parápherna, “goods which a wife brings over and above her dowry”), a compound of παρά (pará, “beside”) +‎ φερνή (phernḗ, “dowry”), i.e. “things additional to a dowry”. In the propertied classes, a dowry was placed under the control of the husband, while the 'paraphernalia' which she brought with her remained the wife’s property.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌpæɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌpɛɹəfɚˈneɪli.ə/, /ˌpɛɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/

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• Rhymes: -eɪliə
• Hyphenation: par‧a‧pher‧na‧lia

paraphernalia pl (plural only)

1. Miscellaneous items, especially the set of equipment required for a particular activity; stuff.

   He has an impressive collection of bicycling paraphernalia, but he doesn't ride very often anymore.

2. (archaic) Things a woman owns, apart from her dowry.

• (woman's possessions): parapherna