AVOIRDUPOIS

[ ˌavwα:djʊ'pwα: , ˌavədə'pɔɪz ]

■ noun a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains. Compare with troy .

Origin

ME: from OFr. aveir de peis 'goods of weight', from aveir 'to have' (from L. habere ) + peis (see poise 1 ).