troy weight

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.

troy weight

/ 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

troy weight

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of troy weight¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of troy weight¹

C14: named after the city of Troyes , France, where it was first used

Example Sentences

But milk is in units of liquid measure; gold in incommensurable units of Troy weight.

From Project Gutenberg

On an average, however, they may be taken at 162 grains Troy weight.

From Project Gutenberg

In Troy weight—Troy where the hay scales come from—the answer was written.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Another table of weights, called the table of Troy weight, is used by goldsmiths and jewelers for weighing precious metals.

From Project Gutenberg