from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ounce \Ounce\, n. [F. once; cf. It. lonza, Sp. onza; prob. for
lonce, taken as l'once, fr. L. lynx, Gr. ?, or an (assumed)
fem. adj. lyncea, from lynx. Cf. {Lynx}.] (Zool.)
A feline quadruped ({Felis irbis} syn. {Felis uncia})
resembling the leopard in size, and somewhat in color, but it
has longer and thicker fur, which forms a short mane on the
back. The ounce is pale yellowish gray, with irregular dark
spots on the neck and limbs, and dark rings on the body. It
inhabits the lofty mountain ranges of Asia. Called also
{once}.
[1913 Webster] Ounded