3. (Fishing) A kind of net, having a large inclosure with a narrow
entrance into which fish are directed by wings spreading outward.
Pound covert, a pound that is close or covered over, as a shed. --
Pound overt, a pound that is open overhead.
Pound, v. t. To confine in, or as in, a pound; to impound. Milton.
Pound, n.; pl. Pounds (#), collectively Pound or Pounds. [AS. pund, fr.
L. pondo, akin to pondus a weight, pendere to weigh. See Pendant.] 1. A
certain specified weight; especially, a legal standard consisting of an
established number of ounces.
The pound in general use in the United States and in England is the
pound avoirdupois, which is divided into sixteen ounces, and contains
7,000 grains. The pound troy is divided into twelve ounces, and
contains 5,760 grains. 144 pounds avoirdupois are equal to 175 pounds
troy weight. See Avoirdupois, and Troy.
2. A British denomination of money of account, equivalent to twenty
shillings sterling, and equal in value to about $4.86. There is no coin
known by this name, but the gold sovereign is of the same value.
The pound sterling was in Saxon times, about a. d. 671, a pound troy of
silver, and a shilling was its twentieth part; consequently the latter
was three times as large as it is at present. Peacham.
Pound"age (?), n. 1. A sum deducted from a pound, or a certain sum paid
for each pound; a commission.
2. A subsidy of twelve pence in the pound, formerly granted to the
crown on all goods exported or imported, and if by aliens, more. [Eng.]
Blackstone.
3. (Law) The sum allowed to a sheriff or other officer upon the amount
realized by an execution; -- estimated in England, and formerly in the
United States, at so much of the pound. Burrill. Bouvier.
Pound"age, v. t. To collect, as poundage; to assess, or rate, by
poundage. [R.]
Pound"age, n. [See 3d Pound.] 1. Confinement of cattle, or other
animals, in a public pound.