from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Arras \Ar"ras\, n. [From Arras the capital of Artois, in the
French Netherlands.]
Tapestry; a rich figured fabric; especially, a screen or
hangings of heavy cloth with interwoven figures.
[1913 Webster]
Stateliest couches, with rich arras spread. --Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
Behind the arras I'll convey myself. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
ARRAS, Span. law. The property contributed by the husband, ad sustinenda
onera matrimonii, is called arras. The husband is under no obligation to
give arras, but it is a donation purely voluntary. He is not permitted to
give in arras more than a tenth of his property. The arras is the exclusive
property of the wife, subject to the husband's usufruct during his life.
Burge on the Confl. of Laws, 417.
2. By arras is also understood the donation which the husband makes to
his wife, by reason or on account of marriage, and in consideration of the
dote, or portion, which be receives from her. Aso & Man. Inst. h.t. 7, c.
3.