dowryless

“Yet another story has it that three dowryless maidens hung their stocking to dry by the chimney.”

Some medieval origins for Christmas

“Her brother knew her dowryless, and wished her a little of joy and a decent marriage, and there at home, working hard in house and kitchen, and known for a penniless niece, suitors there were none.”

The Pilgrim of Hate

“This new wave of hope swept aside the fact that she was the "greenhorn" janitress, that she was twenty-two and dowryless, and, according to the traditions of her people, condemned to be shelved aside as an unmated thing – a creature of pity and ridicule.”

Hungry Hearts