The word "Tocher" is pronounced as /ˈtʌxər/ or "tuhk-ser". It is a Scottish word that means "dowry" or "property settlement made upon marriage". The spelling of "tocher" can be confusing due to the variation in regional dialects. In some areas it is spelled "touker" or "touchar". However, the most widely accepted and recognized spelling is "tocher". Whether for legal or personal reasons, tocher plays a significant role in Scottish matrimonial customs and traditions.
Tocher is a term derived from Scottish and Middle English languages, primarily used in Scotland. It refers to a traditional dowry or bridal gift traditionally given to a bride on the occasion of her marriage. The word "tocher" is derived from the Old Norse word "toʀ", meaning dowry, and it has been widely used in Scottish culture for centuries.
In its simplest form, a tocher can be seen as a form of wealth or material possession given by the bride's family to the groom or the couple to help them set up their new life together. It can include various types of assets, such as money, land, livestock, or household items. The specific items included in a tocher would often depend on the socioeconomic status and resources of the bride's family.
Historically, the tocher played a crucial role in Scottish marriages, as it symbolized the bride's value, her family's approval of the union, and provided initial financial support for the couple. It was often publicly displayed during the wedding ceremony and held significant cultural significance.
In modern times, the concept of a tocher has evolved, and the practice itself has become less common. However, it still holds importance as a cultural tradition and reminder of Scotland's rich heritage. Additionally, variants of the term "tocher" can also be found in other cultures with similar customs, such as the dowry practiced in certain regions of India.
The word "tocher" has its origins in Middle English and Old French. It can be traced back to the Old French word "toquier", which means "to equip or endow".
In Scotland, "tocher" is primarily used to refer to a dowry, which is a sum of money or property given by a bride's family to her new husband upon marriage. The word likely entered the Scots language through a French influence on medieval Scotland.
The etymology of "tocher" is also related to the Middle English word "touche", meaning "to draw". This connection suggests that the term originally referred to the act of providing necessary resources for a new household or "equipping" it.
Overall, the etymology of "tocher" reflects its historical association with marriage and the various resources bestowed upon a couple when entering into matrimony.