troy weight

American  

noun

1. a system of weights in use for precious metals and gems (formerly also for bread, grain, etc.): 24 grains = 1 pennyweight (1.555 grams); 20 pennyweights = 1 ounce (31.103 grams); 12 ounces = 1 pound (0.373 kilogram). The grain, ounce, and pound are the same as in apothecaries' weight, the grain alone being the same as in avoirdupois weight. The troy pound is no longer a standard weight in Great Britain.

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troy weight British  

/ trɔɪ /

noun

1. a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones, based on the grain, which is identical to the avoirdupois grain. 24 grains = 1 pennyweight; 20 pennyweights = 1 (troy) ounce; 12 ounces = 1 (troy) pound

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troy weight Scientific  

/ troi /

1. A system of weights and measures in which the grain is the same as in the avoirdupois system, and a pound contains 12 ounces, or 5,760 grains. Troy weight is used primarily by miners and gold dealers.

2. Compare avoirdupois weight

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Etymology

Origin of troy weight

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

In April 2018, the troy weight of an ounce of pure gold, about 31 grams, would have paid $1,333; however, if the pieces tested at 14K, the value of the batch would be around $800.

From Encyclopedia.com • Apr. 9, 2018

Mr. M'Culla charges good copper at fourteenpence per pound: but I know not whether he means avoirdupois or troy weight.

From The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. - Volume 07 Historical and Political Tracts-Irish by Scott, Temple

It is the penalty and the safeguard of genius that it computes itself by troy weight in a world that measures by vulgar hundredweights.

From The Chronicles of Clovis by Saki

Those things sound well, but they are shadowy and indefinite, like troy weight and avoirdupois; nobody knows what they mean.

From Following the Equator, Part 3 by Twain, Mark

He knew things about troy weight and geography and Isaac and the Mariners of England of which Billy did not dream.

From The Fortunate Youth by Locke, William John