dead weight—
1. (also: dead load) the fixed weight of a structure (such as a bridge on its supports):
- This inefficient use of material contributes substantially to the dead weight of the structure itself.
2. a heavy or oppressive burden:
- The dead weight of this legacy has grown heavier from generation to generation. The classical precepts have come to be a millstone round the neck…
live weight—the weight of an animal before being slaughtered:
- Live weight changes of calves were calculated as average daily gain for the June to October period.