give weight

Verb

give weight (third-person singular simple present gives weight, present participle giving weight, simple past gave weight, past participle given weight)

1. (idiomatic) To attach importance to.
   • … merely observing that if you were to give weight to such an objection, there is not a panel who would not be entitled to the same benefit …1817 A complete collection of state trials and proceedings for high treason and other crimes and misdemeanors from the earliest period to the year 1783, with notes and other illustrations, Volume 23...
   • Mr. Bailey: Well, I man, that's the opinion of an adversary, if it's a sincere opinion, which I question. I wouldn't give it much weight.1996 January 23, “Simpson Attorney F. Lee Bailey Discusses O.J. Simpson and the Civil Suits Against Him”, in CBS Morning
2. (idiomatic) To improve the credibility or legitimacy of.
   • What were these 250 men to come for? – I imagined it was to give weight to the petition.1816, “Fabirgas vs Mostyn”, in A complete collection of state trials and proceedings for high treason and other crimes and misdemeanors from the earliest period to the year 1783, with notes and other...
   • The next question is, we are told that this sham Estimate – for there is no intention of making it a real Estimate – is to give weight to this country in the approaching Conference.1878 The Parliamentary debates (Authorized edition), Volume 237, H. M. Stationery Office, p773