Avoir

/ˈæv.wɑr/ noun

Definition

In French, the verb 'to have'; in English historical commerce, a system of weights used for goods (avoirdupois).

Etymology

From Old French 'avoir' meaning 'to have' or 'goods/property,' which was used in medieval commerce to describe merchandise; related to avoirdupois weight measures.

Kelly Says

The French 'avoir' is fundamental to French grammar, while its English connection through 'avoirdupois' shows how language follows the silk roads of medieval trade and commerce.

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