avoirdupois weight

noun

1. 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. : av.; avdp.; avoir.

avoirdupois weight

/ ăv′ər-də-poiz′ /

1. 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.
2. Compare troy weight

Word History and Origins

Origin of avoirdupois weight¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

Most people give gratitude in grains for whole ounces of avoirdupois weight; what a grateful soul yours is, Miss Lambert.'

From Project Gutenberg

A gallon contains 8.33 pounds avoirdupois weight of distilled water.

From Project Gutenberg

One must weigh men by avoirdupois weight, and not by the jeweller's scales.

From Project Gutenberg

Throughout this book, the pound is avoirdupois weight—sixteen ounces.

From Project Gutenberg

One felt that each had measured the other by avoirdupois weight, and had found the balance even.

From Project Gutenberg