biases
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Bias \Bi"as\ (b[imac]"as), n.; pl. Biases (-[e^]z). [F. biasis, perh. fr. LL. bifax two-faced; L. bis + facies face. See Bi-, and cf. Face.]
1.A weight on the side of the ball used in the game of bowls, or a tendency imparted to the ball, which turns it from a straight line. [1913 Webster]
Being ignorant that there is a concealed bias within the spheroid, which will . . . swerve away.— Sir W. Scott.[1913 Webster]
2.A leaning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent; inclination. [1913 Webster]
Strong love is a bias upon the thoughts.— South.[1913 Webster]
Morality influences men's lives, and gives a bias to all their actions.— Locke.[1913 Webster]
3.A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference. [1913 Webster]
4.A slant; a diagonal; as, to cut cloth on the bias. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See Bent. [1913 Webster]