pound1
  
  n.
  - 
(abbrev.: lb)
 a unit of weight equal to 16 oz avoirdupois (0.4536 kg), or 12 oz troy (0.3732 kg).
 - 
(also pound sterling)
 
(pl. pounds sterling)
 the basic monetary unit of the UK, equal to 100 pence. ▸another term for punt4.
 ▸the basic monetary unit of several Middle Eastern countries, equal to 100 piastres.
 ▸the basic monetary unit of Cyprus, equal to 100 cents.
 ▸a monetary unit of the Sudan, equal to one tenth of a dinar.
 
 
  Phrase
  
    
      - one's pound of flesh
 something to which one is strictly entitled, but which it is ruthless or inhuman to demand. 
[with allusion to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice.]
 
    
   
  Etymology
  OE pund, of Gmc origin, from L. (libra) pondo, denoting a Roman ‘pound weight’ of 12 ounces.