GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Poise , n. [OE. pois, peis, OF. pois, peis, F. poids, fr. L. pensum a portion weighed out, pendere to weigh, weigh out.  Cf. Avoirdupois, Pendant, Poise, v.] [Formerly written also peise.]
   Weight; gravity; that which causes a body to descend; heaviness. “Weights of an extraordinary poise.”  
   Evelyn.
   
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   The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
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   The state of being balanced by equal weight or power; equipoise; balance; equilibrium; rest.
   Bentley.
   
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   That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
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   Men of unbounded imagination often want the poise of judgment.
   Dryden.
   
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   a dignified and self-confident manner; graceful composure and tact in handling difficult social situations.
   PJC
         
       

2.       
   Poise , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Poised, ; p. pr. & vb. n. Poising.] [OE. poisen, peisen, OF. & F. peser, to weigh, balance, OF. il peise, il poise, he weighs, F. il pèse, fr. L. pensare, v. intens. fr. pendere to weigh. See Poise, n., and cf. Pensive.] [Formerly written also peise.]
   To balance; to make of equal weight; as, to poise the scales of a balance.
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   To hold or place in equilibrium or equiponderance.
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   Nor yet was earth suspended in the sky;
   Nor poised, did on her own foundation lie.
   Dryden.
   
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   To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
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   One scale of reason to poise another of sensuality.
   Shak.
   
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   To poise with solid sense a sprightly wit.
   Dryden.
   
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   To ascertain, as by the balance; to weigh.
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   He can not sincerely consider the strength, poise the weight, and discern the evidence.
   South.
   
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   To weigh (down); to oppress. [Obs.]
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   Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow.
   Shak.
   
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3.       
   Poise, v. i. To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
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   The slender, graceful spars
   Poise aloft in air.
   Longfellow.
   
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