in physics, a quality in natural bodies whereby they tend downwards, towards the centre of the earth. Or, weight may be defined, in a less limited manner, to be a power inherent in all bodies whereby they tend to some common point, called the centre of gravity; and that with a greater or less velocity, as they are more or less dense, or as the medium they pass through is more or less rare. See Mechanics.

in commerce, denotes a body of a known weight, appointed to be put in the balance against other bodies whose weight is required.