weɪt n. & v. --n. 1
Physics a
the force
experienced by a
body as a
result of the earth's
gravitation (cf.
MASS(1) n. 8). b
any similar force
with which a body tends to a
centre of
attraction. 2 the heaviness of a body regarded as a
property of
it;
its relative mass or the
quantity of
matter contained by it giving
rise to a
downward force (is
twice your weight;
kept in
position by its weight). 3 a the
quantitative expression of a body's weight (has a weight of
three pounds). b a scale of
such weights (troy weight). 4 a body of a
known weight
for use in weighing. 5 a
heavy body
esp. used in a
mechanism etc. (a clock worked by weights). 6 a
load or
burden (a weight
off my mind). 7 a
influence,
importance (carried weight with the public). b preponderance (the weight of
evidence was against them). 8 a heavy
object thrown as an
athletic exercise; =
SHOT(1) 7. 9 the
surface density of
cloth etc. as a
measure of its suitability. --v.tr. 1 a
attach a weight
to. b hold down with a weight or weights. 2 (foll. by with)
impede or burden. 3
Statistics multiply the components of (an average) by factors to
take account of
their importance. 4
assign a
handicap weight to (a horse). 5
treat (a fabric) with a
mineral etc. to
make it
seem stouter. øput on weight 1
increase one's weight. 2
get fat.
throw one's weight
about (or around) colloq. be unpleasantly self-assertive.
worth one's weight in
gold (of a person)
exceedingly useful or
helpful. [OE (ge)wiht f. Gmc:
cf. WEIGH(1)]
