A system of weights in which 16 ounces make a pound, equivalent to 453.59237 g. See Weights and Measures appendix. [Fr. to have weight, corrupted fr. O. Fr. avoir, property, + de, of, + pois, weight]
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av·oir·du·pois .av-ərd-ə-'pȯiz, -'pwä adj expressed in avoirdupois weight <\avoirdupois units> <5 ounces \avoirdupois> <2 \avoirdupois ounces>
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av·oir·du·pois (av″ər-də-poizґ) (av-wahr″doo-pwahґ) see under weight.Medical dictionary. 2011.