from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
PARAPHERNALIA. The name given to all such things as a woman has a right to
retain as her own property, after her husband's death; they consist
generally of her clothing, jewels, and ornaments suitable to her condition,
which she used personally during his life.
2. These, when not extravagant, she has a right to retain even against
creditors; and, although in his lifetime the husband might have given them
away, he cannot bequeath such ornaments and jewels by his will. 2 Bl. Com.
430; 2 Supp. to Ves. jr. 376; 5 Com. Dig. 230; 2 Com. Dig. 212; 11 Vin. Ab.
176; 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 8996-7.