Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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}.] (Zo["o]l.)
   A feline quadruped ({Felis irbis, or 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}.