n. pl. [ LL. paraphernalia bona, fr. L. parapherna, pl., parapherna, Gr. &unr_;; para` beside + &unr_; a bride's dowry, fr. fe`rein to bring. See 1st Bear. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Law) Something reserved to a wife, over and above her dower, being chiefly apparel and ornaments suited to her degree. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Personal belongings; ornaments; finery; sundry objects carried about for personal convenience. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

3. The appendages, apparatus, or equipment used in a particular activity; as, surveyors unloading their paraphernalia from a van. [ PJC ]