weigh-in
Meaning
the act of having one's weight measured, especially before a sports competition
an occasion when someone's opinion or reaction to something is formally recorded or considered
Structure
Usage
The boxer failed to make the required weight at the official weigh-in.
The public weigh-in on the new policy has been overwhelmingly negative.
All jockeys must attend the pre-race weigh-in.
Etymology
The term 'weigh-in' is a modern English compound noun formed from the verb 'weigh' and the particle 'in'. The verb 'weigh' descends from the Old English 'wegan', meaning to carry or move, which itself traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root weǵh-, meaning to go, transport, or draw. This root connects the concept of moving a load to the process of measuring its heaviness. The particle 'in' specifies the action as occurring within a formal or official setting, such as before an event. The compound thus logically denotes the formal process of measuring and recording weight, a meaning that extended metaphorically to the formal recording of opinions or reactions.
Analysis
weigh: From Old English 'wegan' (to carry, move, weigh). Germanic origin. Functions as the core verb meaning to measure weight. in: From Old English 'in' (in, into, within). Germanic origin. Functions as an adverbial particle indicating the context or process of the action.