par|a|pher|nal|ia

par|a|pher|nal|ia «_PAR uh fuhr NAYL yuh», noun (plural).

1. personal belongings: »

Trunks containing…personal property—their sole chattels and paraphernalia on earth (Arnold Bennett).

2. equipment; outfit: »

the paraphernalia for a chemical experiment. Mountain climbing paraphernalia include ropes, straps, and climbing shoes. The ample fireplace…garnished with a crane having various hooks and other paraphernalia (Harriet Beecher Stowe). The existence of constructed theories implies deductions, inductions, assumptions and all the paraphernalia of methodology which constitute the philosophy of science (F. H. George).

3. Law. the articles of personal property which the law formerly allowed a woman to keep during her marriage.

╂[< Medieval Latin paraphernalia < Late Latin parapherna < Greek parápherna a woman's personal property besides her dowry < para- besides + phern dowry, related to phérein to bear]

Usage Paraphernalia meaning personal belongings is plural in form and use: »

My paraphernalia are ready to be shipped.

When the meaning is equipment, paraphernalia is sometimes singular in use: »

Camping paraphernalia includes tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.

See data (Cf. ↑data), insignia for related usage notes. (Cf. ↑insignia)