Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WEIGHT, n. [wate; Sax. wiht; Sw. vigt; Ger. gewicht. See Weigh.]

1. The quantity of a body, ascertained by the balance; in a philosophical sense, that quality of bodies by which they tend toward the center of the earth in a line perpendicular to its surface. In short, weight is gravity, and the weight of a particular body is the amount of its gravity, or of the force with which it tends to the center. The weight of a body is in direct proportion to its quantity of matter. – Newton.
2. A mass of iron, lead, brass or other metal, to be used for ascertaining the weight of other bodies; as, a weight of an ounce, a pound, a quarter of a hundred, &c. The weights of nations are different, except those of England and the United States, which are the same.
3. A ponderous mass; something heavy. A man leaps better with weights in his hands. – Bacon.
4. Pressure; burden; as, the weight of grief; weight of care; weight of business; weight of government.
5. Importance; power; influence; efficacy; consequence; moment; impressiveness; as, an argument of great weight; a consideration of vast weight. The dignity of a man's character adds weight to his words.