Avoirdupois weight
a system of weight measurement based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, in wide use in English-speaking countries; the system is used for goods other than gems, precious metals, and drugs: 27 11/32 grains = 1 dram; 16 drams = 1 ounce; 16 ounces = 1 pound; 112 pounds (Brit.) or 100 pounds (U.S.) = 1 hundredweight; 20 hundredweight = 1 ton. The pound contains 7000 grains.
Abbreviation: av.; avdp.; avoir.
Historical Examples
A gallon contains 8.33 pounds avoirdupois weight of distilled water.
Practical Mechanics for Boys J. S. Zerbe
One felt that each had measured the other by avoirdupois weight, and had found the balance even.
The Lowest Rung Mary Cholmondeley
Most people give gratitude in grains for whole ounces of avoirdupois weight; what a grateful soul yours is, Miss Lambert.’
Heriot’s Choice Rosa Nouchette Carey
Throughout this book, the pound is avoirdupois weight—sixteen ounces.
Miss Leslie’s Lady’s New Receipt-Book Eliza Leslie
One must weigh men by avoirdupois weight, and not by the jeweller’s scales.
Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources James Wood
avoirdupois weight n.
A system of weights and measures based on a pound containing 16 ounces or 7,000 grains and equal to 453.59 grams.
avoirdupois weight
(āv’ər-də-poiz’)
A system of weights and measures based on a pound containing 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, and equal to 453.59 grams. Avoirdupois weight is used in the United States to weigh everything except gems, precious metals, and drugs. Compare troy weight.
Read Also:
- Avoirdupois
avoirdupois weight. Informal. bodily weight: He carries around a lot of excess avoirdupois. Contemporary Examples Its owner seems to take as much pride in her bones as the big girls of Rubens could take in their avoirdupois. Skin, Bones and Beauty Blake Gopnik August 14, 2012 Historical Examples She had so far successfully fought down […]
- Avon
a river in central England, flowing SE past Stratford-on-Avon to the Severn. 96 miles (155 km) long. a river in S England, flowing W to the mouth of the Severn. About 75 miles (120 km) long. a river in S England, flowing S to the English Channel. About 60 miles (100 km) long. a county […]
- Avon lake
a town in N Ohio.
- Avouch
to make frank acknowledgment or affirmation of; declare or assert with positiveness. to assume responsibility for; vouch for; guarantee. to admit; confess. Historical Examples One of the most sensible and practical of all proverbs, as every body’s experience can avouch. The International Monthly, Volume 5, No. 4, April, 1852 Various But it is not so, […]
- Avouches
to make frank acknowledgment or affirmation of; declare or assert with positiveness. to assume responsibility for; vouch for; guarantee. to admit; confess. Historical Examples However, said he, if this which he avouches be true, let us arm and out. The Chautauquan, Vol. III, March 1883 The Chautauquan Literary and Scientific Circle As the Old Testament […]