Legal Definitions - praeter dotem

PRAETER DOTEM

Praeter dotem is a Latin term that means "over and above the dowry." In historical context, it refers to any additional property or assets that a bride's family would provide to the groom or his family beyond the agreed-upon dowry.

For example, if a bride's family agreed to provide a dowry of 100 gold coins, but also gave the groom a piece of land or a valuable piece of jewelry, that would be considered praeter dotem.

Another example could be if the bride's family promised to pay for the wedding expenses, which were not included in the dowry agreement. This would also be considered praeter dotem.

Praeter dotem was a common practice in ancient times, especially in wealthy families. It was a way for the bride's family to show their generosity and enhance their daughter's status in the marriage. These additional gifts or promises were not legally binding, but rather a gesture of goodwill.

These examples illustrate how praeter dotem was used to provide additional benefits to the groom or his family beyond the dowry. It was a way to strengthen the marriage alliance and ensure a successful union between the two families.