AVOIRDUPOIS

avoirdupois, or averdupois (from the french _avoir de pois_, goods of weight), the name of a system of weights used in great britain and america for all commodities except the precious metals, gems and medicines. the foundation of the system is the grain. a cubic inch of water weighs 252.458 grains. of this grain 7000 now (see weights and measures) make a pound avoirdupois. this pound is divided into 16 oz., and these ounces into 16 drachms. _avoirdupois weight._ drachm, 16=ounce, 16=pound, 14=stone 2=quarter, 4=hundred, 20=ton. 27.3 grains 437.5 7000 98,000 196,000 grs 112 lb 2240 lb.