Arrátel
Deprecated measure of weight
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The arrátel (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈʁatɛl]; plural arráteis)[1] was the base unit of weight in the Portuguese customary measurement system.[2][3] Until the adoption of the metric system in the 19th century, the arrátel was used in Portugal, Brazil and other parts of the Portuguese Empire.[4]
The real value of the arrátel fluctuated during the Middle Ages. Before King Peter I, the main arrátel seems to have been equivalent to 12+1⁄2 ounces. With Peter I, the official arrátel increased to 14 ounces. Finally, the Portuguese arrátel was fixed at 16 ounces by decree of King Manuel I in 1499. This arrátel, which was kept as the national standard until the introduction of the metric system, was similar to the Spanish libra.