GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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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.]
    1. Weight; gravity; that which causes a body to descend; heaviness. “Weights of an extraordinary poise.”
      Evelyn.

      1913 Webster
    2. The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
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    3. The state of being balanced by equal weight or power; equipoise; balance; equilibrium; rest.
      Bentley.

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    4. 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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    5. 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.]
    1. To balance; to make of equal weight; as, to poise the scales of a balance.
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    2. 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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    3. 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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    4. 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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    5. 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.

    1913 Webster

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