
3 centuries ago, marriage just a sale of a daughter to a man. This varies culturally but at least in Europe a poor family would still give the husband’s parents a goat, a small amount of money, or goods in exchange for a families daughter. Daughters who didn't receive any bids for marriage or couldn’t afford dowry would often be sold into a convent (become a nun.) Typically before 18 years old. I say daughters too because at that time they were considered property of the father.