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