1. 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).
Phrases and idioms:
weigh 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.
Derivatives:
weighable adj. weigher n.
Etymology: OE wegan f. Gmc, rel. to WAY 2. n.Phrases and idioms:
under weigh disp. under way.
Etymology: 18th c.: from an erron. assoc. with weigh anchor