The word "maund" is spelled as /mɔːnd/. It is a rarely used noun, often referring to a traditional wicker basket used in the medieval period for carrying goods or as a measurement of capacity that varied by region. The "au" in "maund" is pronounced as "aw," making the sound akin to "mawnd." Despite its infrequent usage, "maund" is an interesting and unique word that adds depth and texture to literature, historical texts, and everyday vocabulary.
Maund is a unit of weight measurement commonly used in South Asia. It is a historical term that refers to a specific weight standard and can vary depending on the region. Primarily used to measure grains, vegetables, or other agricultural commodities, the maund is important in trade and commerce.
The exact weight of a maund can differ across different countries and even within regions of the same country. In India, it is typically defined as 37.3 kilograms, whereas in Pakistan, it is approximately 40 kilograms. The word "maund" is derived from the Arabic word "mando," which means a measure or weight.
Due to regional variations, the maund is also known by different names. For instance, in Bangladesh, it is referred to as a maund, in Pakistan as a mun, and in Nepal as a dharni. In historical times, the maund was used as a standard measure for agricultural produce like wheat, rice, lentils, and other grains, making it an essential unit for trading and determining price.
Though not widely used in modern times, the concept of a maund is still relevant in some areas, particularly in rural parts of South Asia, where traditional agricultural practices persist. It remains a useful unit for estimating large quantities of commodities, providing a standardized form of measurement for trading purposes.
• A hand-basket; a round hamper without a cover.
• In East Indies, a weight varying in different localities.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "maund" is derived from the Old English word "mǭnd", which eventually evolved into "mānd" in Middle English. Its ultimate origin can be traced back to the Latin word "mandatum", meaning "a command" or "instruction". This Latin term was used to refer to the instructions given by Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper, particularly the command to love one another. Over time, "mandatum" came to refer to the container or basket used to carry alms for the poor, which was given during religious ceremonies, including Maundy Thursday. The word "maund" began to be used as a verb in the 16th century to describe the action of begging or asking alms, which is associated with the traditional practice of giving to the poor as a sign of Christian charity on Maundy Thursday.