What is "subarration"

Subarration \Sub`ar*ra"tion\, n. [Pref. sub- + L. arra, arrha, earnest money. See Earnest a pledge.] The ancient custom of betrothing by the bestowal, on the part of the man, of marriage gifts or tokens, as money, rings, or other presents, upon the woman.

n. The ancient custom of betrothing by the bestowal, on the part of the man, of marriage gifts or tokens, such as money or rings, upon the woman.