ˈȯnsəl, ˈä- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French auncelle, perhaps alteration (resulting from incorrect division into definite article l' + noun) of (assumed) Old French lancelle, from Old Italian lancella small balance, from lance balance (from Latin lanc-, lanx plate, scalepan) + -ella (from Latin) — more at balance
: a medieval English balance for weighing or a weight used in medieval England