subs. (old).—1. The end of one’s tether: ‘it is often customary with the TRAPS (q.v.) to wink at depredations of a petty nature, and for which no reward would attach, and to let a thief go unmolested till he commits a capital crime; they then grab him and share a reward of 40l., or upwards: therefore these gentry will say, Let him alone … till he weighs his WEIGHT’ (GROSE).
2. (old).—Lust, wantonness, HEAT (q.v.).
1772. BRIDGES, A Burlesque Translation of Homer, 3.
| I’m certain ne’er a parson’s daughter | |
| (Though you went round the world to get her) | |
| Would carry WEIGHT, for inches, better. |
