libra

Etymology

From Latin lībra (“pound”), partially via Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese libra. Doublet of lira, livre, libbre, liter, rottol, and arratel.

noun

1. (historical) A Roman unit of mass, usually equivalent to 327 g.
2. (historical) A traditional Spanish unit of mass, usually around 460 g.
3. (historical) A traditional Portuguese unit of mass, usually equivalent to 345 g and particularly used for trade in medicines.
4. (historical) Synonym of arratel, a separate Portuguese unit of mass, usually around 460 g.
5. (historical) Alternative spelling of libbra, a traditional Italian unit of mass.
6. (historical) Synonym of pound">pound, a notional pound">pound of silver as a money of account, especially in medieval contexts.