[f. L. cent-um a hundred, ? after quintal, or perh. dual, plural.] A weight of one hundred pounds avoirdupois, first introduced into the Liverpool cornmarket on 1 Feb. 1859 and legalized by an Order in Council issued 4 Feb. 1879.
(The name was proposed by Mr. Danson, a barrister.)
1870. Athenæum, 8 Oct., 470/1. Some years ago the corn trade of Liverpool became convinced that a great improvement would be effected by the adoption of one common measure. The result was that the cental of 100 lb. avoirdupois was unanimously agreed to in that town.
1883. J. H. Chatterton, in Times, 9 March, 4/6. A short Bill which has been introduced this session … to render the use of the cental compulsory in all dealings in corn and the dry products thereof.
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 5 Aug., 7/1. The price having reached the abnormal figure of 2 dols. 17 c. per cental.
