1. a unit of weight in general use equal to 16 oz. avoirdupois (0.4536 kg).
▪ a unit of weight equal to 12 oz. troy (0.3732 kg) used for precious metals.
2. the basic monetary unit of the UK, equal to 100 pence.
▪ another term for punt
▪ the basic monetary unit of several Middle Eastern countries, equal to 100 piastres.
▪ the former basic monetary unit of Cyprus, equal to 100 cents.
▪ the basic monetary unit of Sudan.
Word OriginOld Englishpund, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch pond and German Pfund, from Latin (libra) pondo, denoting a Roman ‘pound weight’ of 12 ounces.