pound

pound [-s] n

OE < WGer. *pundo- < L. pondo, short for libra pondo, a pound weight.

  1. Weight; measure of heaviness; standard unit of weight.
  2. Heaviness; weightiness; mass; load; burden; force of downward pressure.
  3. Portion of overall weight; section of the body.
  4. Silver piece; unit of money equal to twenty shillings; [fig.] large sum; substantial quantity of wealth.

pound n

OE *pund, origin obscure.

  1. Prison; jail; detention facility; holding place for impounded animals; enclosure for confinement of stray creatures.