Mitgift meaning and definition in german

In German-speaking Europe, Mitgift is usually understood to be a gift to the bride by her own family, typically in the form of household goods (Aussteuer), but sometimes also money. These things become the property of the married couple after the wedding.
Chiefly when referring to other cultures, the word can also mean a payment by the family of the bride to that of the groom, or similar premarital financial transactions.