dotal

Dotal property is that which the wife brings to the husband to assist him in bearing the expenses of the marriage establishment.

This law determined that her parents' contribution was a dotal (or dowry contribution).

Manin gold was considered dotal and it was customary for each mother to split their chains in equal shares among their daughters who transmitted this tradition to the offspring.

The old baron, intent upon seizing the vast Almonester fortune, had forced Micaela into signing a general Power of Attorney giving her husband control over her assets, rents, and capital, both dotal, and as heir of her father.

Citing Louisiana Code articles Articles 2334 and 2335, the Court explained that the separate property of the wife is that which she 'brings into the marriage, or acquires during the marriage by inheritance or by donation made to her particularly,' and 'is divided into dotal and extradotal property.