avoirdupois

Meaning

Noun

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

Origin

• From Middle English avoir de pois, aver de peis, haburdy poyse, haburdepays, haburdepeyse, from Old French avoir + du + pois; compare French poids ("weight").