The spelling of the term "more avoirdupois" can be puzzling. The correct pronunciation is ˌmɔr ævərdəˈpɔɪz, which means it refers to a system for measuring weight that's based on pounds and ounces. The term "more" is an adjective that means "additional or greater in amount, number, or degree." "Avoirdupois" is a French term meaning "goods of weight" which has been part of the English language since the 1300s. When combined, "more avoirdupois" refers to a larger amount of weight than what has been previously mentioned.
The phrase "more avoirdupois" refers to a greater weight or heaviness, predominantly in reference to a person's physical stature or the overall bulk of an object. Derived from the French term "avoir du poids," which translates to "to have weight," avoirdupois is a system of weights used primarily in the United States and Canada.
When used in relation to individuals, "more avoirdupois" signifies that a person has a larger, heavier, or more substantial build than others. It emphasizes the physical mass and weight of the individual in question. This term is commonly employed to describe someone who is overweight or obese and carries more excess adipose tissue on their body.
In a broader sense, "more avoirdupois" can also pertain to objects or things that have a greater mass or weight compared to others within the same category. For instance, it might be used to describe a larger-sized vehicle, furniture, or any item that possesses a noticeable heaviness when compared to its counterparts. The phrase emphasizes the significant or notable degree of weight possessed by the object being referred to.
Overall, "more avoirdupois" suggests a connotation of increased weight or heaviness, whether applied to a person or an object, highlighting the prominence of size and physical mass relative to others.
The term "avoirdupois" originated from Middle English and it is derived from the Old French phrase "aveir de peis", which means "goods of weight". "Aveir" stands for "goods" or "property", while "peis" means "weight". Over time, this phrase evolved into "avoir du pois", which was later anglicized as "avoirdupois" in the 15th century. While "avoirdupois" originally referred to various goods sold by weight, it gradually became primarily associated with the weight system used for measuring heavier commodities, such as metals and other bulkier items. The term "avoirdupois" is still used today to distinguish it from other systems of weight measurement like troy weight or apothecaries' weight.