Definition of paraphernalia

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< paraph

paraphilia >

par·a·pher·na·lia    (pr-fr-nly, -f-nly) KEY 

pl.n.
(used with a sing. or pl. verb)

1. Personal belongings.
2. The articles used in a particular activity; equipment: a photographer's paraphernalia. See Synonyms at equipment.
3. A married woman's personal property exclusive of her dowry, according to common law.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Medieval Latin paraphernlia, neuter pl. of paraphernlis, pertaining to the parapherna, a married woman's property exclusive of her dowry, from Greek : para-, beyond ; see para-¹ + phern, dowry; see bher-¹ in Indo-European roots