n. & v.
--n.
1. Physics a the force experienced by a body as a result of the earth's gravitation (cf. MASS(1) n. 8). b any similar force with which a body tends to a centre of attraction.
2 the heaviness of a body regarded as a property of it; its relative mass or the quantity of matter contained by it giving rise to a downward force (is twice your weight; kept in position by its weight).
3 a the quantitative expression of a body's weight (has a weight of three pounds). b a scale of such weights (troy weight).
4 a body of a known weight for use in weighing.
5 a heavy body esp. used in a mechanism etc. (a clock worked by weights).
6 a load or burden (a weight off my mind).
7 a influence, importance (carried weight with the public). b preponderance (the weight of evidence was against them).
8 a heavy object thrown as an athletic exercise; SHOT(1) 7.
9 the surface density of cloth etc. as a measure of its suitability.
--v.tr.
1. a attach a weight to. b hold down with a weight or weights.
2 (foll. by with) impede or burden.
3 Statistics multiply the components of (an average) by factors to take account of their importance.
4 assign a handicap weight to (a horse).
5 treat (a fabric) with a mineral etc. to make it seem stouter.
Phrases and idioms:
put on weight
1. increase one's weight.
2 get fat. throw one's weight about (or around) colloq. be unpleasantly self-assertive. worth one's weight in gold (of a person) exceedingly useful or helpful.
Etymology: OE (ge)wiht f. Gmc: cf. WEIGH(1)