As \As\, n.; pl. {Asses}. [L. as. See {Ace}.]
1. A Roman weight, answering to the libra or pound, equal to
nearly eleven ounces Troy weight. It was divided into
twelve ounces.
2. A Roman copper coin, originally of a pound weight (12
oz.); but reduced, after the first Punic war, to two
ounces; in the second Punic war, to one ounce; and
afterwards to half an ounce.