What does "avoirdupois" mean?
The official system of weights used in the UK between 1856 and 1963. It had been the customary system in London since 1300.
Avoirdupois
/ˌævədəˈpɔɪz/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The official system of weights used in the UK between 1856 and 1963. It had been the customary system in London since 1300.
- Grammar: avoirdupois is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: avoirdupois weight, avoirdupois-based, beef, beefiness.
- Useful contrasts: metric, metric system, metric unit.
- Usage evidence: It seems humanly reasonable that the three of us can woman-handle a mere man of your elderly and insulting avoirdupois.
How to use "avoirdupois"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "avoirdupois" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "avoirdupois" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "avoirdupois" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "avoirdupois weight" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The official system of weights used in the UK between 1856 and 1963. It had been the customary system in London since 1300. historical, uncountable, usually
- 2 excess bodily weight wordnet
- 3 The official system of weights used in the USA between 1866 and 1959. historical, uncountable, usually
- 4 a system of weights based on the 16-ounce pound (or 7,000 grains) wordnet
- 5 Weight; heaviness. humorous, uncountable, usually
"It seems humanly reasonable that the three of us can woman-handle a mere man of your elderly and insulting avoirdupois."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Merchandise. obsolete, uncountable, usually
"From that mountain go men to the city of Thauriso that was wont to be clept Taxis, that is a full fair city and a great, and one of the best that is in the world for merchandise; thither come all merchants for to buy avoirdupois, and it is in the land of the Emperor of Persia."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"It seems humanly reasonable that the three of us can woman-handle a mere man of your elderly and insulting avoirdupois."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "avoirdupois"?
Common synonyms include: avoirdupois weight, avoirdupois-based, beef, beefiness, blubber, common measurement system.
How do you use "avoirdupois" in a sentence?
It seems humanly reasonable that the three of us can woman-handle a mere man of your elderly and insulting avoirdupois.
How do you pronounce "avoirdupois"?
Pronounced /ˌævədəˈpɔɪz/.
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”).