WEIGH

v. 1 tr. find the weight of. 2 tr. balance in the hands to guess or as if to guess the weight of. 3 tr. (often foll. by out) a take a definite weight of; take a specified weight from a larger quantity. b distribute in exact amounts by weight. 4 tr. a estimate the relative value, importance, or desirability of; consider with a view to choice, rejection, or preference (weighed the consequences; weighed the merits of the candidates). b (foll. by with, against) compare (one consideration with another). 5 tr. be equal to (a specified weight) (weighs three kilos; weighs very little). 6 intr. a have (esp. a specified) importance; exert an influence. b (foll. by with) be regarded as important by (the point that weighs with me). 7 intr. (often foll. by on) be heavy or burdensome (to); be depressing (to). øweigh anchor see ANCHOR. weigh down 1 bring or keep down by exerting weight. 2 be oppressive or burdensome to (weighed down with worries). weigh in (of a boxer before a contest, or a jockey after a race) be weighed. weigh-in n. the weighing of a boxer before a fight. weighing-machine a machine for weighing persons or large weights. weigh into colloq. attack (physically or verbally). weigh in with colloq. advance (an argument etc.) assertively or boldly. weigh out (of a jockey) be weighed before a race. weigh up colloq. form an estimate of; consider carefully. weigh one's words carefully choose the way one expresses something. øøweighable adj. weigher n. [OE wegan f. Gmc, rel. to WAY]