tael

[ teyl ]

noun

1. liang.
2. any of various similar units of weight in East Asia.
3. a former Chinese money of account, being the value of this weight of standard silver.

tael

/ teɪl /

noun

1. a unit of weight, used in the Far East, having various values between one to two and a half ounces
2. (formerly) a Chinese monetary unit equivalent in value to a tael weight of standard silver

Word History and Origins

Origin of tael¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Portuguese from Malay tahil “liang”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tael¹

C16: from Portuguese, from Malay tahil weight, perhaps from Hindi tolā weight of a new rupee, from Sanskrit tulā weight

Example Sentences

“These are five-tael boxes, more than two pounds,” said Nares, weighing one in his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

The tael became thinner and thinner until 2,000 of them piled together made less than three inches in height.

From Project Gutenberg

The tael is not a coin, but a certain weight of silver, and therefore its value fluctuates with the value of silver.

From Project Gutenberg

But one meets persistently the word “tael” in their estimate of the value of things.

From Project Gutenberg

Rupees are also current, and at this time were equivalent to 400 cash—the tael at the same time being worth 1260 cash.

From Project Gutenberg