pound sterling

strongly influenced the development of modern literature (1885-1972) n a symbol for a unit of currency (especially for the pound sterling in Great Britain) n a public enclosure for stray or unlicensed dogs n the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows) v hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument v strike or drive against with a heavy impact v move heavily or clumsily v move rhythmically v partition off into compartments v shut up or confine in any enclosure or within any bounds or limits v place or shut up in a pound v break down and crush by beating, as with a pestle

especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK