Paeaphebnalia

ii The apparel and ornaments of a wife, suitable to her rank and degree.' A term borrowed from the civil law. Paraphernal. Pertaining to paraphernalia; also, to property declared to be given the wife in considei'ation of the marriage.* At common law, such articles as constituted the wife's paraphernalia she became absolutely entitled to at the death of her husband, over and above her jointure or dower, and in preference to all other representatives. The husband could not bequeath, although he might sell or give them away. After his death, the wife retained them against all persons, except creditors when there was a deficiency of assets and the apparel and omamente were not of a necessary Mnd,^. In the United States, the continued ownership and enjoyment of all of a married woman's separate property are secured to her by legislation.' See Husband; Sepahate, 2.