avoirdupois

English

/ˌævədəˈpɔɪz/, /ˌævɚdəˈpɔɪz/

noun
Definitions
  • (historical) The official system of weights used in the UK between 1856 and 1963. It had been the customary system in London since 1300.
  • (historical) The official system of weights used in the USA between 1866 and 1959.
  • Weight; heaviness (commonly with humorous intent).

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English avoir de pois derived from Old French avoir.

Origin

Old French

avoir

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms