avoirdupois

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a system of weights based on the 16-ounce pound (or 7,000 grains)
  2. noun excess bodily weight

Etymology

From Middle English avoir de pois, aver de peis, haburdy poyse, haburdepays, haburdepeyse, from Old French aveir + de + peis (“asset of weight”), influenced by Middle French avoir + du + pois; compare French poids (“weight”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

avoirdupois weight

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