avoirdupois
/ˌavwɑːdjʊˈpwɑː
/ /ˌavədəˈpɔɪz /noun
1A system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, widely used in English-speaking countries: [as modifier]: avoirdupois weights [postpositive]: a pound avoirdupois...Compare with troy.
- In the metric system, the base unit of weight is the gram; in the avoirdupois system, it's the pound.
- The stigmas can only be picked by hand, and it requires 70,000 flowers to obtain one pound avoirdupois of saffron; or 0.5 hectares to yield about 4.5 kg of dried saffron.
- Gold is measured using troy weights (as opposed to the more familiar avoirdupois weights): 24 grains make a pennyweight, and 20 pennyweights make a 31.1-gram troy ounce.
1.1 humorous Weight; heaviness: she was putting on the avoirdupois like nobody’s business...
- Dalgleish's retirement makes him the latest in a long line of jockeys having to admit that their avoirdupois is just too great a burden.
- That my current hometown of Washington hasn't gnawed its way into this rating is a bit shocking, considering the ample avoirdupois on the streets of your nation's capital.
- Now, children are driven to and from school and in their lunch boxes you'll find potato crisps, sweets, chocolate and other goodies that add on the avoirdupois.
Origin
Middle English (denoting merchandise sold by weight): from Old French aveir de peis 'goods of weight', from aveir 'to have' (infinitive used as a noun, from Latin habere) + peis 'weight' (see poise1).