Where does the abbreviation "LB" (for pound) come from?

Answer 1

"LB" is short for Latin "libra", which actually literally means "scales" or "balances". The full expression was "libra pondo" (meaning 'a pound by weight' and from which the English word "pound" is derived")

(By the way, the British monetary "pound" shows this relationship to libra as well, in the use of a stylized, crossed out L (£) as its symbol.)

As for why we use a LATIN abbreviation --

First, note that there are many instances of this in English writing. Examples: e.g., i.e., viz., cf. et.al, no., etc. ..... (But also note that the English reader is supposed to know to speak the ENGLISH equivalent whenever these appear, NOT to try to speak the Latin.)

The reason they were in Latin to begin with is that they arose at a time when Latin was the universal language of the academic community of Europe. In the 18th century scholars began to write their works in their native languages. BUT they continued to make use of the Latin expressions that had become familiar and easy to use (with perhaps the added attraction that they were still making some use of the "learned language")

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Latin_abbreviations

(This article also contains a list of the most common Latin words & abbreveiations still in use.)

Answer 2

according to Dictionary.com it is an abbreviation for libra, the Latin word for
a unit of weight in ancient Rome approximately equal to but less than the avoirdupois pound. (or 12 ounces to be precise).

Answer 3

the Latin abbreviation for pound came into use as a result of the Roman occupation of Britain ... same reason the brits use "d" for a penny/pence (taken from the Latin coin, the denarius)

Answer 4

From the latin word "libra" (unit of weight, close to a pound), which means "scales".

Answer 5

Latin; libre mean pound

Answer 6

Latin...I don't quite understand why people still use Latin, though...